Liechtenstein Throne Now Open To Women
The tiny European country has changed its royal succession rules to allow the first-born child, regardless of sex, to ascend the throne, with the change announced on its national day by Hereditary Prince Alois
Liechtenstein has changed its royal succession rules to allow women to ascend the throne, with the first-born child, regardless of sex, becoming the heir to the throne and later princess or prince of Liechtenstein. The change was announced on the country's national day by Hereditary Prince Alois.
The change in succession rules was approved by a two-thirds majority of family members who can vote on such matters. This move marks a significant shift from the previous male primogeniture system to absolute primogeniture, where the first-born child will inherit the throne regardless of sex.
Hereditary Prince Alois has carried out most official royal duties since 2004, while Prince Hans-Adam II has been the head of state since 1989. The change in succession rules will not affect the current line of succession.
Liechtenstein, a country with a population of around 40,000 people, has a constitutional monarchy with a powerful ruling prince who has the power to veto referendum results, appoint judges, and fire the government. The country granted women the right to vote in national elections in 1984.
## Context The change in succession rules is a significant step towards gender equality in the tiny European country. With this move, Liechtenstein joins other European monarchies that have adopted absolute primogeniture, allowing women to inherit the throne. The change is seen as a progressive step for the country, which has a traditionally conservative society.
