Hans-Adam II
Date of Birth: February 14, 1945
Han-Adam II (German: Hans-Adam II, full name Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d'Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein, was born on February 14, 1945) - the reigning 15th Prince of Liechtenstein. He ascended to the throne on November 13, 1989.
Place of Birth. Education. He was born on February 14, 1945, in Zurich (Switzerland) to Prince Franz Josef II (1906-1989) and Georgine Wilczek (1921-1989). He initially attended school in Vaduz and then the Alpinum Scuol Gymnasium in Vienna. He then studied at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland), which he graduated from in 1969 with a master's degree in business administration and economics. German is his native language, but he also speaks fluent English and French.
Ascension to the Throne. In 1984 he was appointed deputy to Franz Josef II, and on November 13, 1989, Hans-Adam became the new Prince of Liechtenstein (after his father's death). At that time, the country was facing problems with illegal financial transactions and money laundering from drug trafficking. The new prince's attempts to curb this were thwarted by the deputies. The president of the Constitutional Court, Bernhard Wille, also acted against Hans-Adam, who insisted that the prince had no authority to control the government. In response, the Prince of Liechtenstein refused to confirm Wille in his position. Wille filed a lawsuit against the prince in the European Court and won. Hans-Adam II was also forced to pay a substantial fine.
A new scandal over financial manipulation broke out in 1999 after a report from the FRG intelligence service on the situation in Liechtenstein was published in 'Spiegel' magazine. To restore order in the state, Hans-Adam invited the prosecutor from Innsbruck, Karl Spittner, for an investigation. The situation was thoroughly examined. It turned out that several deputies indeed had connections to drug barons. The sum that surfaced in the case amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. Hans-Adam II did everything in his power to bring the corrupt deputies to justice.
The next step of the prince was to combat the 'dirty' money system that was flowing through Liechtenstein banks. On July 19, 2000, the banking association declared that anonymous accounts would no longer be opened and that the term 'bank secrecy' should not hinder assistance in investigations. The liberals proposed abolishing the monarchy or significantly limiting the prince's powers. However, in the spring of 2001, the population voted in the next elections for the conservatives, who were supported by Hans-Adam.
In contrast to most modern monarchies that tend to limit the powers of the head of state, Hans-Adam held a referendum in 2003 aimed at expanding the prince's powers. In this referendum, Hans-Adam II received the full support of the population (87%), who advocated for the monarchy to gain more powers. However, simultaneously a law was enacted prohibiting the prince from exercising his veto right if the parliament decided to change the form of state to a republic.
During the reign of Hans-Adam II, Liechtenstein became a member of the United Nations.
On August 15, 2004, Hans-Adam handed over the government affairs of Liechtenstein to his eldest son Alois while retaining the crown and control over the affairs of the principality. On this occasion, a celebration was held under the walls of the family castle for all subjects of the prince.
Wealth. Prince Hans-Adam II is the richest monarch in Europe. His fortune is estimated at about $4.4 billion, and he is among the 500 richest people in the world. He owns a collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance as well as two palaces in Vienna.
Interesting Facts. In addition to his state responsibilities, Hans-Adam also works in a bank. He also engages in agriculture, viticulture, and wine production (wine from Liechtenstein is one of the most expensive in the world).
The residents of the principality do not pay taxes to support the prince and his family. Hans-Adam covers his own expenses. All roads in Liechtenstein are repaired using the prince’s own funds. Hans-Adam knows almost all the residents of the country personally.
Family. Wife - Maria Aglaia (1940), daughter of Ferdinand Karl, Count Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau. Children: Alois (1968), married to Sophie, daughter of Max Emanuel of Bavaria. Maximilian (1969) in a marriage with Angelica Braun. Constantine (1972) in a marriage with Countess Maria Kálnoky. Tatiana (1973) in a marriage with Philipp von Lattorf.
February 14, 2022