Which Country Could Next Abolish Their Monarchy?

[October]

I was going to vote Spain because it seems as if they have the most issues, which is odd because considering Spain's recent ordeal with a fascist government one would think they'd support having a politically neutral head of state. But, then I changed my mind to Sweden due to the recent article showing a low approval rating, something I also find odd because hasn't that monarchy become purely ceremonial, therefore I can't imagine republicans have many arguments to put forth.

However, I honestly think they might all go down together in one fell swoop via an EU ruling saying something like all EU nations must have democratically elected heads of state.

[Hereditary Thane]

The UN has no powers other than those the super powers allow it. It has little real influence either. It's constituent members are not equal, and while it espouses good causes it has had little influence on peace since its inception.

[Dierna23]

Originally Posted by NoorMeansLight

IMO Spain and Sweden, because their monarchies are both losing support. Not in the near future though.

I tend to agree, though I'm not absolutely sure about Sweden... I voted for Norway and I can't really explain why. It's more a feeling. I think that the NRF does a wonderful job and I believe that they're quite popular, but I don't know how important the monarchy is for the Norwegian people? IMO, the British monarchy e. g. seems to be part of the British identity and I can't see the UK becoming a republic in the foreseeable future.

[timtonruben359]

Despite all the hype prior to the wedding, support for Monarchy in Sweden has dipped below 60%. I wouldn't be surprised it that's changed now that the weddings over, but still if things don't turn around, I don't think the futures bright there.

[Royal Fan]

I Think the Monarchs of Europe are safe any place else Im not sure

[nascarlucy]

I don't think any country should do away with their monarchy. Over the centuries they've been tweaked (american term for reformed, modified) to reflex modern times. The Monarchies are part of the countries cultural heritage and history. I can't imagine England without a monarchy. Or Sweden, Norway, Spain or other countries for that matter.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by Manee

List some of the Asian Monarchies that you think needed reforming? You sounds really racist.

Hi, Manee! I'm not sure if I understand where you or Royal Protocol (the original poster) are each viewing this issue, but I would hope that, like me, Royal Protocol made his or her comment based on observations of how some of the non-European monarchies operate.

Based on what I have seen and have stated numerous times in other threads on this board, the monarchy in Japan is desperately in need of a complete overhaul beginning with dissolving the Imperial Household Authority (IHA) which seems to have turned into a self-serving entity more focused on its own survival than the survival and/or effectiveness of the monarchy.

My opinion has nothing to do with that particular monarchy being Japanese or Asian. Although I don't believe there is any danger of the British monarchy being thrown out any time soon, I think they need some major overhauls as well.

But I caution you that accusing someone you more than likely don't even know of being racist based on the comment you quoted could be described as overly-sensitive at best, and at worst could be construed as a form of racism itself.

As I said before, not knowing the basis for Royal Protocol's opinion, I can only state my own. I would invite you to do the same so that perhaps myself, Royal Protocol, and any other readers can gain insight as to your opinion.

Thanks for joining the discussion!

[COUNTESS]

Originally Posted by Rascal

Hi, Manee! I'm not sure if I understand where you or Royal Protocol (the original poster) are each viewing this issue, but I would hope that, like me, Royal Protocol made his or her comment based on observations of how some of the non-European monarchies operate.

Based on what I have seen and have stated numerous times in other threads on this board, the monarchy in Japan is desperately in need of a complete overhaul beginning with dissolving the Imperial Household Authority (IHA) which seems to have turned into a self-serving entity more focused on its own survival than the survival and/or effectiveness of the monarchy.

My opinion has nothing to do with that particular monarchy being Japanese or Asian. Although I don't believe there is any danger of the British monarchy being thrown out any time soon, I think they need some major overhauls as well.

But I caution you that accusing someone you more than likely don't even know of being racist based on the comment you quoted could be described as overly-sensitive at best, and at worst could be construed as a form of racism itself.

As I said before, not knowing the basis for Royal Protocol's opinion, I can only state my own. I would invite you to do the same so that perhaps myself, Royal Protocol, and any other readers can gain insight as to your opinion.

Thanks for joining the discussion!

Each country must make the decisions to replace monarchies for themselves. Yet, you are right, that the Japanese monarchy is archaic, an the one in Thailand may be corrupt. The recent events in Thailand are very concerning. If one feels any critcism toward a particular monarchy is racism, perhaps, it is their own lack of understanding.

[David V]

Comparing European and Asian monarchies (or those of the Middle East, for that matter) is a bit like apples and pears because of the historical, cultural and societal contexts they operate in. A situation peculiar to Thailand for instance where the King is a source of moral authority and accorded reverence, but also a country where the military is a powerful political force.

[Mapleleaf134]

IMO Spain and Norway will become Republics and there's no much support.

[Iva]

UK and Spain. Just my personal feeling, the British monarchy will have it very hard after Queen Elizabeth II, she is loved and respected, but I don't think Charles will recieve the same support. Spain for the very same reason, with all the negative coverage towards Letizia, I think Felipe will have it very rough once he becomes king.

[fandesacs2003]

NORWAY! They do not like MM! I know many Norwegians who told me that after the actual King, a trend wants to organize referendum, in order to abolish Monarchy.

[David V]

I doubt any of them will change because lessons have been learned from the past as to how a change of a system of government has been profoundly destabilising in modern European history.

[Duke of Marmalade]

I think the first one to go will open a floodgate for others to follow. The idea of monarchy is from the old ages, these days people want to elect - get rid of their Head of State to their own taste.

Kings and Queens are expensive representatives without any power - why keep them when even the bar is continuously being lowered when it comes to moral standards etc etc, making the constituition look like any ordinary citizen with the only difference that the public has to foot the bill.

I think that Belgium is probably the first to go, followed by Norway, Spain, Sweden. The British, Dutch and Danes will be the last ones standing.

All this might certainly not happen in our lifetime but the erosion has already begun, eg by choice of spouses or not being up to scratch regarding the inherited task.

While I believe that all heirs will get to reign, I am not sure about their children. While most countries will fight tooth and nail to keep their advantages and privileges, especially in Norway I could imagine that Haakom will once be the King of active transition into a republic in case a referendum will be asking for it.

[David V]

Countries like Denmark, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, etc it's hard to imagine them without their monarchies, as it very much defines what these countries are. We are also in times where many people feel the need for a rallying point, above the cloak and dagger of politics, because they are far from certain times.

In all functioning democracies, elections for any office costs money. A cost that is higher in many developing democracies too. I've stated before that anybody who believes a republic automatically equates to greater equality and democracy is kidding themselves. Because there are numerous republics, as with numerous monarchies, although none of those in Europe admittedly, that are far from being such.

[Her_Majesty]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I think the first one to go will open a floodgate for others to follow.
[...]
While I believe that all heirs will get to reign, I am not sure about their children.

Actually I agree with you here. I guess that's how it will be one day. After the first monarchy is gone there will follow others pretty soon.
I'm also quite sure we'll see the current heirs on the throne... maybe also some of their children... but it will be hard for the generation afterwards.
My guess would be that Sweden or Belgium will be the first monarchies that will go; followed by Spain and Norway. Denmark and the UK will probably last longest. I could imagine that one day the Royal families will be like the Greek Royal family (just without the exile - private former Royal families.

[Zonk]

I certainly don't think that all monarchies will remain but it bears repeating that after WWI everyone thought ALL monarchies would be gone and yet they still remain.

With the world in constant turmoil in regards to poverty, a politicized electorate in MANY countries, the royal families serve for many a constant source of history and tradition. I think they will evolve as history dictates but I don't think that all of them will go.

And its always interesting how people (not to be disrespectful) talk about how certain royals in another country will be the downfall of it....but never no one from that particular country. Its like people in democracies know more about how the Dutch monarchy is perceived (for example) than the Dutch

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by Zonk

With the world in constant turmoil in regards to poverty, a politicized electorate in MANY countries, the royal families serve for many a constant source of history and tradition. I think they will evolve as history dictates but I don't think that all of them will go.

I agree - some as the British and Danish have been around for many centuries and people dont remember the country in a different form of government as constitutional monarchy but some, like Norway, Sweden or especially Spain don't have much of a recent history at all. All countries can well do without a monarch, have done so in the past, and therefore the public is less attached to them or will look for alternatives if the Royal Family doesnt fit into expectations any longer.

As a consequence, especially in Spain they try to look as busy and important as possible, with huge agendas, hidden holidays etc because if the public gets annoyed with their demeanor they will be gone very fast, it has been done before.

Besides, I think that all future heirs, no matter what country, will have to accept a cutback on the privileges that their parents have enjoyed for years, starting back in those times when the yellow press of today didnt exist and the public was still paralyzed out of respect for the monarchy.

IMO especially Felipe of Spain and Prince Charles will have a hard time as King, they will be under extreme pressure and scrutiny by the media and the public regarding their personal or political conduct and monetary issues.

[Mapleleaf134]

I don't think British monarchy will go that easily. Same with the Danish, Dutch and Luxembourg. Now Spain and Norway I see many people who are losing interest in them. In Spain people are very Juancarlistas, even with Letizia there it hasn't change that much IMO. If only could Elena become Queen!

[RJ TAYLER]

Greece, France and Italy 'again' are more likely than another state in Europe to become a 'new' republic.