17 MARCH 2003
The people of Liechtenstein have voted to make the ruling prince of their tiny country, Hans-Adam II, the most powerful monarch in Europe.

Hans-Adam was granted absolute power in a referendum on Sunday, with 64 per cent of voters giving him the right to veto laws, dismiss government and approve judicial nominees. However, the new constitution also dictates that only 1,500 signatures are sufficient to force a vote to abolish the monarchy.

Turnout for the vote was extraordinarily high – 87.7 per cent of eligible citizens taking part. "It is an excellent result," said Prince Hans-Adam. "We can be very pleased with it."

And the 58-year-old royal can also breathe a sigh of relief, as he can continue calling Liechtenstein his home. The prince had threatened to leave the principality – population 33,000 – if his subjects did not support the referendum to give him far-reaching new powers.

The ruling prince also hinted that he would soon be handing over the throne to his 35-year-old son, Prince Alois. "This was my last big duty," he said. "Now, I would like to slowly withdraw."