Which Country Could Next Abolish Their Monarchy?

[Lilla]

Originally Posted by Sonjapearl

I wouldn't be surprised if the monarchy in Swaziland - in south Africa - goes, or at least is downgraded to a constitutional monarchy. With more than half of the people living in poverty while the king and his many wives live in luxury, the Swazi people are getting angry. During last year's independence day celebrations, there were demonstrations. A few weeks later, a failed bomb attempt was uncovered.

So, I am betting the Swazi monarchy to end for the same reasons as the French and Russian monarchies went: their absolute rulers did not take care of their people.

I don't know anything about the Swazi monarchy but it does not sound like a monarchy worth saving.

[Sonjapearl]

^^^ To give an example of how extravagant the many Swazi Queens live, last year they all went on a major shopping spree in Europe and the Middle East, buying cars and designer clothes. Many Swazi people protested. To me, they are like the Marie Antoinettes of Swaziland (during her extravagant days). Meaning, they load up on clothes while their people suffer.

If you want, you could check out my blog where I have a section on Swaziland. Here's the link http://royalnews.wordpress.com/category/swaziland/

[RoyalProtocol]

I hope that it isn't a European Monarchy to go next, some african and asian monarchies really do need reformed if they want to survive in the 21st Century

[Denise_aus]

I am 22 years old and Australian born with a 6th generation Aussie Dad and a French Mother. I live in rural Australia. I am studying Journalism and Political Science. Australia is just 231 years old and we are fortunate to have developed without being encumbered by aristocracy or any class system. Our nation anthem proclaims we are young and free. I have never seen a member of any royal family. I think "our queen" has visited Australia 4 (maybe 5) times. We have watched the antics of the royal princes and my Mother has told me something of Prince Charles marriage and divorce to Diana. Frankly, I cannot see any value or relevance in the royal family for Australia and 57 percent of all Australians and 87 percent of Australians under 30 share that view. Britain quite happily discarded trade with us in favour of the European Community; we owe them nothing.

We will have a Republic but it will take two referenda, one to decide yes or no and a later one to decide how a President will be nominated and voted for. The process will be democratic and will probably (intentionally) not be completed while Elizabeth is queen. After all Australians fought and died for the British Monarchy and in times still well remembered and respected here. They shall grow not old...lest we forget.

Mum's response to the question is Vive la Republique and a short burst of La Marseillase with suitable arm gestures urging us to the the barricades. I suspect she has a lot of support in Australia.

[Lady Claire]

I truly hope the the monarchy in Swaziland is the next to go.

[Turkish Delight]

Originally Posted by Saturn

The main problem in Spain is that young people think it's not necessary a monarchy, and now another problem is the referendum to change the constitution in order that women can be heirs to the throne.
Many people say that if a referendum is held for, at the same time they could vote for or against the monarchy.
It's for that reason that the royal family are afraid of the referendum, and tries to postpone it as much as possible, saying that there are more than enough time, because the heir to the throne is Felipe and not Leonor.

Because of these reasons, I voted for Spain.

[Kotroman]

Originally Posted by Saturn

The main problem in Spain is that young people think it's not necessary a monarchy, and now another problem is the referendum to change the constitution in order that women can be heirs to the throne.

What you've said makes no sense at all. Women have never been barred from succession to the throne of Spain (even during the Habsburg and early Bourbon era in Spain, all monarchs had sons so daughters were never skipped in favour of uncles). Daughters do come after sons in the line of succession to the Spanish throne, but they can inherit and they always could (remember: Urraca, Berengaria, Petronilla, Isabella I, Joanna, Isabella II).

I don't believe Spain will become a republic in near future, but if it does, it certianly won't be because of succession laws.

Originally Posted by Shaiya

To be honest, I want Canada to no longer be part of the British monarchy. We need a Canadian head of state, not a British one and one that represents Canadian values and beliefs. The Queen is an excellent monarch for Britain but I just don't feel like a British lady overseas who visits every few years does justice in being head of state for our country.

I understand how you feel. But why opt for republic? If Canada wants to be seperated from the UK, why couldn't they elect a member of the House of Windsor as monarch of Canada?

For example, Elizabeth II remains Queen of the UK, while her daughter Anne becomes Queen of Canada. She would reign as Anne II if they would count English, Scottish and British monarchs (prior to the point of seperation) as Canadian monarchs. Only Anne's descendants would have succession rights to the Canadian throne and Anne is far enough from the British throne to ensure that she won't succeed there.

Everyone wins: we get a brand new royal family to read about, the monarchists still have a monarchy and Canada doesn't share its head of state with the UK

[Bones]

I would like to see Saudi Arabia go but I'm sure it won't. I'm sure others have noticed that it's the royal "nice guys" (Louis XVI, Maximilian, Nicholas II etc) who get overthrown and not the really harsh ones. Is the situation in Belgium really that bad? I've heard people talking about a split as long as I've been alive but I could never imagine such a thing happen. I mean, after everything the country has gone through, the wars, the liberations, the struggles, I am shocked that they could really want to willingly give up on their country.

I also never saw eye-to-eye with the premise that Belgium has only existed since 1830. That might be the starting point of the modern state, but I think Belgium as a unique region and people has been around for a very long time. There was a difference when the Netherlands broke away, there was the short-lived United States of Belgium and even Julius Caesar talked about the fierce Belgae (sic?) he had to fight. I would hate to see it end. I like the Belgian monarchy and particularly think that the late King Baudouin was one of the greatest men in modern Euro-royal history. Queen Fabiola is a favorite of mine too.

If the Spanish monarchy is overthrown after the death of Juan Carlos I wonder if, in the nether regions beyond this world, the spirit of Franco will give the King's spirit a scolding, "I told you so"?

[LadyLeana]

Originally Posted by Bones

I would like to see Saudi Arabia go but I'm sure it won't. I'm sure others have noticed that it's the royal "nice guys" (Louis XVI, Maximilian, Nicholas II etc) who get overthrown and not the really harsh ones. Is the situation in Belgium really that bad? I've heard people talking about a split as long as I've been alive but I could never imagine such a thing happen. I mean, after everything the country has gone through, the wars, the liberations, the struggles, I am shocked that they could really want to willingly give up on their country.

I also never saw eye-to-eye with the premise that Belgium has only existed since 1830. That might be the starting point of the modern state, but I think Belgium as a unique region and people has been around for a very long time. There was a difference when the Netherlands broke away, there was the short-lived United States of Belgium and even Julius Caesar talked about the fierce Belgae (sic?) he had to fight. I would hate to see it end. I like the Belgian monarchy and particularly think that the late King Baudouin was one of the greatest men in modern Euro-royal history. Queen Fabiola is a favorite of mine too.

There are many political reasons for which a split is never going to happen, one of which being that the integrity of the country is protected by Europe, another thing being we have such an enormous state debt, that it would be impossible to divide. Not to mention the problem of Brussels, the problem of the harbours, etc, etc,... All this talk about Belgium splitting up is just an overreaction and a wrong evaluation of the situation in Belgium. Don't get me started on how this all began... After all, that would be a political discussion and a little out of place here.

Originally Posted by Bones

If the Spanish monarchy is overthrown after the death of Juan Carlos I wonder if, in the nether regions beyond this world, the spirit of Franco will give the King's spirit a scolding, "I told you so"?

Now that would be funny... Of course you assume they belong in the same realm of the spirit world...

[NotAPretender]

I would think that Spain is holding on by just a bit, but would be "next" to go - followed by Belgium. And interestingly, they have two very different heirs, the Prince of Austurias and his "flashy" princess (I am not saying that she is! but the perception....) and "dull, plodding" Philippe & Mathilde.

The interaction between the history of a country, the history of the particular royal family, the world political and social climate, the perception about the heirs to any throne, and one's personal background is interesting at the very least.

When it comes to the UK - I personally think it should just stop after Elizabeth. A monarch like her comes along once in a millenium.

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by LadyLeana

... All this talk about Belgium splitting up is just an overreaction and a wrong evaluation of the situation in Belgium. Don't get me started on how this all began... After all, that would be a political discussion and a little out of place here. ... [snipped and my bolding]

It is a great news. It is rather upsetting to read articles mentioning an endless political crisis and possibility of the split. The main for me that Crown Princely couple does not celebretise the monarchy.

[LadyLeana]

Well, don't get me wrong, there are problems, obviously. But splitting... hardly. We just have to find new ways to live together, because the old ways don't fit any more. And, taken in account there are elections coming up, and the previous ones were quite a disaster, it's no surprise some politicians use strong bold words.

[Al_bina]

I realise that there are internal problems similar to ones most European countries face. However, the discussion of problems in Belgium often mentions the split looming on horizon. I do hope that Belgians of all nationalities will find ways of an amicable co-existence.

[Kotroman]

Originally Posted by NotAPretender

When it comes to the UK - I personally think it should just stop after Elizabeth. A monarch like her comes along once in a millenium.

So, you think that a daughter/son of Prince William of Wales should not be given a chance to prove that she/he is a better monarch than Elizabeth II?

I absolutely disagree with you. I don't think Elizabeth II is so good as a monarch that the monarchy will be useless when she's gone. She is just one of the most popular British monarchs; there were popular monarchs before her and there will be poular monarchs after her.

[NotAPretender]

Originally Posted by Kotroman

So, you think that a daughter/son of Prince William of Wales should not be given a chance to prove that she/he is a better monarch than Elizabeth II?

I absolutely disagree with you. I don't think Elizabeth II is so good as a monarch that the monarchy will be useless when she's gone. She is just one of the most popular British monarchs; there were popular monarchs before her and there will be poular monarchs after her.

I think HM is the last one in the line with any sense of duty or responsibility; of her children, I believe only Anne to have shown the kind of intestinal fortitude that HM and the DoE have shown.

But lest we be accused of threadjacking, which of the existing monarchies do you is on a limited life span?

[Bones]

Originally Posted by LadyLeana

Now that would be funny... Of course you assume they belong in the same realm of the spirit world...

Well, that's why I was diplomatic and made no mention of hell or heaven. I'm sure Franco thought (or hoped) Juan Carlos would carry on in roughly the same fashion that he had ruled. I certainly don't think he would have picked him as his heir if he had any idea he would make the country a democracy. If that democracy turns against the monarchy after Juan Carlos I could just imagine Franco lecturing him on how the people rewarded his dynasty for their freedom.

I will leave out any comment on the good or bad of Franco & Juan Carlos, I think the facts speak for themselves quite clearly.

I am also glad to hear that the potential split of Belgium is largely hysteria. Given how multi-cultural Europe as a whole is today I don't see any reason why two ethnic groups with such a long history together should not be able to live together as well as any other.

As for the British, I see them sticking it out. I think even the lukewarm will tolerate Charles for the sake of a future King William and once he starts to go through the whole marriage process I'm sure that will be a shot in the arm for the popularity of the monarchy as they usually are.

Originally Posted by NotAPretender

I would think that Spain is holding on by just a bit, but would be "next" to go - followed by Belgium. And interestingly, they have two very different heirs, the Prince of Austurias and his "flashy" princess (I am not saying that she is! but the perception....) and "dull, plodding" Philippe & Mathilde.

The interaction between the history of a country, the history of the particular royal family, the world political and social climate, the perception about the heirs to any throne, and one's personal background is interesting at the very least.

When it comes to the UK - I personally think it should just stop after Elizabeth. A monarch like her comes along once in a millenium.

I will just add that what is "dull" and "plodding" to one person is respectable and dutiful to another. All in the eye of the beholder. I like the Belgian heirs. Mathilde seems like a great mom and Philippe seems to be a man of principle which is quite rare for anyone in public life.

[NotAPretender]

Originally Posted by Bones

I will just add that what is "dull" and "plodding" to one person is respectable and dutiful to another. All in the eye of the beholder. I like the Belgian heirs. Mathilde seems like a great mom and Philippe seems to be a man of principle which is quite rare for anyone in public life.

Oh, Bones, I totally agree. Thats why I put those words in quotation marks. I really think Mathilde and Philippe are two people who live their values and are dedicated to their positions as a responsibility to a greater world as well as to their country. I put them on par with HM The Queen (U.K.) and her husband in devotion to duty above all.

[Lumutqueen]

I think, and i don't know why but Monaco.
I really hope it doesn't, but I see the country becoming a republic with maybe Albert as the president hehe :)
x

[Bones]

I'm not sure that Monaco could even survive without the monarchy. They keep so much of everything going, they're the driving force behind most of the tourism and they own most of the major income-producers for the country. I think the place would financially go-under without the Grimaldis.

[Zonk]

Please note that the name of this thread, is What country do you think COULD be the next to abolish their monarchy? Several posts have been deleted as off topic and inflammatory as they add nothing to the CIVIL discussion that was happening until recently.

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Zonk