According to aceinland, the national flag of Liechtenstein is a horizontal bi-color flag with two equal bands of blue and red. It was adopted on June 24th, 1937 and has been the official national flag ever since. The top half of the flag is blue and the bottom half is red. The left side of the flag features a gold crown which symbolizes the principality’s sovereignty. In addition to the crown, there are two crossed cornucopias in yellow that are placed just above it. The two cornucopias represent both agriculture and prosperity for Liechtenstein’s citizens. On either side of the cornucopias are five small white stars that represent freedom and unity among Liechtensteiners.
The blue color in the top half of the national flag symbolizes loyalty and fidelity to their country while the red color in the bottom stands for bravery, strength, and courage in defending their nation’s rights. Moreover, according to some sources, it also represents their strong connection to Austria as well as their commitment to Europe as a whole. The gold crown is surrounded by a wreath composed of oak leaves on one side and laurel leaves on the other which signify strength and peace respectively. Lastly, there are five stars surrounding this wreath which represent Liechtenstein’s five major districts: Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, and Schellenberg.
Presidents of Liechtenstein
The presidents of Liechtenstein are elected by the members of the Landtag, which is the national parliament. The current president is Hildebrandt-Tiedemann Hans-Adam II, who has held office since 1984. He is the head of state and hereditary ruler of Liechtenstein. He presides over all ceremonial occasions and has significant influence in both domestic and international affairs.
Hans-Adam II’s father, Franz Joseph II, was the longest serving president in Liechtenstein’s history, ruling for a total of 37 years until his death in 1989. Under his leadership, Liechtenstein became a member of the United Nations and was admitted to the Council of Europe in 1978.
After Franz Joseph II’s death, his son Hans-Adam II assumed the role as president. Since then he has made an effort to modernize Liechtenstein’s economy and strengthen its international relations. In 2004 he signed a customs union agreement with Switzerland which allowed for open borders between their two countries and increased economic cooperation between them.
Hans-Adam II has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout his presidency such as establishing foundations that focus on education and social welfare initiatives in Liechtenstein and abroad. In 2011 he created a foundation dedicated to preserving cultural heritage sites within Liechtenstein as well as promoting cultural awareness among its citizens.
The president is assisted by two vice presidents who are appointed by him with advice from the government. They are responsible for representing Liechtenstein at various international conferences or meetings when needed or requested by the president himself or other members of government.
Prime Ministers of Liechtenstein
The prime minister of Liechtenstein is elected by the members of the Landtag, which is the national parliament. The current prime minister is Adrian Hasler, who has held office since 2013. He is the head of government and leads the executive branch of Liechtenstein’s government.
Hasler was elected in 2013 after a period of political instability in Liechtenstein following a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of his predecessor Klaus Tschuetscher. Since then he has sought to restore public trust in government while also promoting economic growth and development within Liechtenstein.
Under Hasler’s leadership, Liechtenstein has become an increasingly attractive destination for businesses due to its low taxes and business-friendly regulations. This has helped spur economic growth within the country and attract foreign investment from other countries around Europe.
He has also been active in strengthening international relations with neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. In 2016 he signed a free trade agreement with Switzerland which allowed for open borders between their two countries and increased economic cooperation between them.
Hasler is assisted by a cabinet composed of ministers from various political parties who are responsible for managing various areas such as finance, defense, education, health care, and foreign affairs. The cabinet meets regularly to discuss policy issues and make decisions regarding matters that affect Liechtenstein as a whole.
