The Reigning Prince
 is the Head of State. The Reigning Prince may only exercise his right to State
authority in accordance with the Constitution and other legal provisions.
In accordance with article 8 of the Constitution, he represents
the State in its relations with foreign States. International treaties by which territory of the State
is ceded, State property alienated, sovereign rights affected, the rights of citizens limited, or new
burdens imposed on the country require the assent of Parliament and approval by the Head of State and
the Government.
Every international treaty requiring the assent
of Parliament may also be submitted to a popular referendum.
The Reigning Prince contributes to the legislative process through
his right to initiative in the form of Government proposals and through his right to sanction legislation,
the validity of which depends on such sanction.
The Reigning Prince is authorized to enact Princely Orders. For
instance, he opens Parliament with such an Order. Princely Orders include emergency decrees. By means
of emergency decrees, the Reigning Prince can take urgent measures to ensure the security and welfare
of the State without the involvement of Parliament, but with the countersignature of the Prime Minister.
The Reigning Prince has the right to open Parliament at the beginning
of the year and to adjourn it at the end of the year. Traditionally, he opens Parliament with a ceremonial
speech from the throne. During the year, the Reigning Prince may suspend Parliament for at most three
months or dissolve it on grounds of considerable importance.
On recommendation of Parliament, the Reigning Prince appoints the
Government, judges of the Court of Justice, judges of the Court of Appeal, judges of the Supreme Court,
and the presidents and vice-presidents of the Constitutional Court and the Administrative Court.
The authority of the Reigning Prince also includes the right to
pardon, the right to reduce and commute lawfully imposed sentences, and the right to grant amnesties,
i.e., to quash initiated investigations. All jurisdiction in the country is exercised by judges on behalf
of and under obligation to the Reigning Prince. All judgments are pronounced on behalf of the Reigning
Prince. On August 15th 2004 H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam
II entrusts his son H.S.H. Heredi-tary Prince Alois as his representative with the exercise of all sovereign
rights pertaining to him, in accordance with the Liechtenstein Constitution.
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