Diritto costituzionale e secessione: il caso del Liechtenstein in prospettiva comparata

Abstract

Constitutional law and secession: The case of Liechtenstein in comparative perspective – This essay develops an analysis of the secession clause in Article 4(2) of the Constitution of Liechtenstein, as amended in 2003. Article 4(2) has been described as a unique provision in that it grants each and every municipality within the Principality of Liechtenstein with a right to initiate a withdrawal procedure. This contribution assesses the significance of Article 4(2) in the light of the emerging comparative constitutional law of secession. The results are a mixed picture, with Liechtenstein standing out as an anomaly but also echoing some widespread concerns.