Prince Alois of Liechtenstein announces transition to absolute primogeniture to allow women to inherit the throne.
Prince Alois of Liechtenstein announced that the principality will transition from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, allowing the first-born child to inherit the throne regardless of sex. The change was approved by a two-thirds majority of the voting family members. This adjustment will apply only to the descendants of Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie who are born in the future, meaning the current line of succession remains unchanged for now. Prince Hans-Adam II currently serves as the head of state, though he delegated most of his powers to Prince Alois. Liechtenstein is a wealthy, conservative nation with a population of 40,000. The monarchy is notably powerful, granting the prince the authority to veto referendums, appoint judges, and dismiss the government. The country was the last in Europe to grant women the right to vote in 1984, and Brigitte Haas recently became the first female prime minister.