Dawn of a new era in Liechtenstein
"I wish the Hereditary Prince that he’ll have the trust of the population”, said Prince Hans-Adam II with a view to handing over the sovereign powers of the head of state to Hereditary Prince Alois on 15 August, Liechtenstein’s National Day.
Article 13 of the Constitution specifies: "The Prince Regnant may entrust the next Heir Apparent of his House who has attained majority with the exercise of the sovereign powers held by him as his representative should he be temporarily prevented or in preparation of succession”. In the year 1984, Prince Franz Josef II had made use of this option, when he instated Hereditary Prince Hans-Adam II as his permanent representative. And now, twenty years later, Prince Hans-Adam II has entrusted his son, Hereditary Prince Alois, with exercising the sovereign powers of the head of state.
