1978 Liechtenstein general election

none October 2026 October 2026 Liechtenstein 1974 1982 3 February 1978 1978 Liechtenstein general election 15 seats in the Landtag 8 95.72% ( 0.38pp) Patriotic Union (Liechtenstein) Hans Brunhart 49.15 8 7 Progressive Citizens' Party Walter Kieber 50.85 7 8 Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Walter Kieber Progressive Citizens' Party Hans Brunhart Patriotic Union (Liechtenstein) 1970 Liechtenstein election map.svg Results by constituency 1937 A map of Liechtenstein divided by electoral district. The two respective districts of Oberland and Unterland are coloured by the respective winner of the most seats in the district, with blue denoting the Progressive Citizens' Party and red for the Patriotic Union. Similarly, the individual seat distribution in each district is denoted within them. General elections were held in Liechtenstein on 3 February 1978 to elect the 15 members of the Landtag.Nohlen Stöver 2010 1165 The Patriotic Union (VU) won a majority of eight seats, while the Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP) won seven. Voter turnout was 95.7%. Incumbent prime minister Walter Kieber of the VU sought re-election for a second term, while the VU nominated Hans Brunhart for the position. Following the election, the FBP and VU formed a renewed coalition government, ultimately under the leadership of Brunhart, with Kieber becoming deputy prime minister. The election was followed by 15 years of VU-led governments under Brunhart. Background 1974 Liechtenstein general electionIn the 1974 elections the Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP) won a majority of eight seats, while the Patriotic Union (VU) won seven.Vogt 1987 221–222 As a result, the FBP and VU formed a coalition government, ultimately under the leadership of prime minister Walter Kieber.23 March 1974 Landtagseröffnung und Regierungsneubildung am kommenden Mittwoch Opening of the Landtag and formation of the new government next Wednesday https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/image/000476564_1974-03-23_19740323/633/LOG_0000/ 28 September 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de23 March 1974 Die neue Regierung kann bestellt werden The new government can be appointed https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1974-03-23-epa-7434/ 28 September 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1–2 de Kieber's term was characterized by introducing divorce and civil marriage laws in 1974. In August 1975, Kieber was one of the chairmen and signatories of the Helsinki Accords in Helsinki, and his government oversaw Liechtenstein applying to the Council of Europe in 1977.30 August 2017 Kieber, Walter (1931–2014) https://historisches-lexikon.li/Kieber,_Walter_%281931%E2%80%932014%29 1 November 2023 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein de https://web.archive.org/web/20260725234615/https://historisches-lexikon.li/Kieber,_Walter_(1931%E2%80%932014) 25 July 2026 live His government also saw the passing of controversial tax increases and reduction in payment to Liechtenstein's municipalities in the Landtag in order to reduce deficit spending. However, both policies were rejected in referendums held in 1975.Vogt 1987 249 Electoral system The 15 members of the Landtag are elected via open list proportional representation from two constituencies, Oberland with 9 seats and Unterland with 6 seats.Marxer Wilfried Wilfried Marxer Frommelt Fabian 31 December 2011 Wahlsysteme Electoral systems https://historisches-lexikon.li/Wahlsysteme?marker=Gemeindewahlen 17 November 2024 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein de Voters vote for a party list and then may strike through candidates for whom they do not wish to cast a preferential vote, and may add names of candidates from other lists. The electoral threshold to win a seat is 8%. Landtag members sit for a four-year term.Vogt Paul Paul Vogt (historian) 31 December 2011 Landtag State parliament https://historisches-lexikon.li/Landtag 8 September 2026 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein de Once formed, the Landtag elects the prime minister and four government councillors who govern in a cabinet.Vogt Paul Paul Vogt (historian) 31 December 2011 Regierung Government https://historisches-lexikon.li/Regierung live https://web.archive.org/web/20230721135630/https://historisches-lexikon.li/Regierung 21 July 2023 13 January 2025 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein de Only men aged 21 and above were eligible to vote.Marxer Wilfried Wilfried Marxer Frommelt Fabian 31 December 2011 Stimm- und Wahlrecht Right to vote and right to stand for election https://historisches-lexikon.li/Stimm-_und_Wahlrecht 28 July 2026 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein deFrick Julia 31 December 2011 Frauenstimm- und -wahlrecht Women's suffrage and the right to vote https://historisches-lexikon.li/Frauenstimm-_und_-wahlrecht 7 December 2024 Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein de A FBP-initiated referendum was held in November 1975 that proposed to re-introduce the majority clause that had been abolished in 1973.Vogt 1987 250 Under this system, the party with the most votes would automatically win the most seats in the Landtag. However, the proposal was narrowly rejected by voters.Vogt 1987 250 Campaign Walter Kieber.png Hans Brunhart (cropped).jpg Walter Kieber (left) and Hans Brunhart (right) were the FBP and VU's respective nominations for prime minister 150 300 A photograph of Walter Kieber in 1975 A photograph of Hans Brunhart 1991 Kieber was re-nominated by the FBP for prime minister on 15 December 1977;17 December 1977 Uneingeschränktes Vertrauen Unreserved trust https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/image/000476564_1977-12-17_19771217/3057/#topDocAnchor 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 3 de the party argued for political continuity, and sought to retain its majority in the Landtag.31 January 1978 Schenkt uns das Vertrauen Place your trust in us https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-31_19780131/337/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de For the first time, the party presented government candidates for the election — Georg Malin and Hans Gassner. The FBP in its newspaper, the Liechtensteiner Volksblatt, argued for a "factual election campaign".20 December 1977 Gegenseitige Achtung und Toleranz Mutual respect and tolerance https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1977-12-20_19771220/3075/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de During the campaign, the FBP highlighted its achievements in environmental protection,13 January 1978 Für eine lebenswerte Heimat For a home worth living in https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-13_19780113/126/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 2 de advocated for greater support for the elderly and a return to "traditional values".5 January 1978 Rückbesinnung auf das Alter Reflecting on Old Age https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-05_19780105/25/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de The party's programme also included policies such as balancing the budget,7 January 1978 Basis für künftige Finanzpolitik Basis for future fiscal policy https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-07_19780107/45/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de improvements to healthcare, greater women's rights,12 January 1978 Wir müssen Menschlichkeit und Gerechtigkeit in den Mittelpunkt unseres ständigen Bemühens stellen We must place humanity and justice at the heart of our ongoing efforts https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-12_19780112/105/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 reforms to the social security system,16 January 1978 Wirtschaftliche Sicherheit für alle! Economic security for all! https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-01-16_19780116/145/-/ 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de and expanding housing assistance.19 January 1978 So soll es weitergehen This is how things should continue https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/image/000476564_1978-01-19_19780119/189/#topDocAnchor 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de The VU nominated the incumbent deputy prime minister, Hans Brunhart, for prime minister in December 1977;10 December 1977 Mannschaft und Programm der VU bestätigt Team and program of the VU confirmed https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1977-12-10-epa-8146/?page=p88224 subscription 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 3 the party sought to gain a majority in the Landtag.1 February 1978 Dankeschön Thank you https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-02-01-epa-8181/?page=p88872 subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 3 de The VU accused the FBP of failing to fulfil its promises, particularly in regards to providing swimming facilities7 January 1978 Hier hat die FBP versagt The FBP has failed here https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-07-epa-8164/?page=p88544 subscription 19 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 3 and environmental protection.11 January 1978 Sennwald: Wo ist heute die versprochene Rauchgaswaschanlage? Sennwald: Where is the promised flue-gas scrubbing system today? https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-11-epa-8166/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de The VU also highlighted its achievements in foreign policy.21 January 1978 VU: Tatkraft und gesundes Mass auch in der Aussenpolitik VU: Proactive energy and a sensible approach in foreign policy as well https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-21-epa-8174/?page=p88724 subscription Liechtensteiner Vaterland 3–4 de During the campaign, the VU advocated for the introduction of widower's pensions in the Old-age and survivors insurance,13 January 1978 Witwenrente – eine Lücke in unserer Sozialgesetzgebung Widow’s pension – a gap in our social legislation https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-13-epa-8168/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1–2 de tax relief for lower incomes,4 January 1978 Die Union weiss, was sie will The Union knows what it wants https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-04-epa-8162/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 and lessening the restrictions for naturalization in Liechtenstein.3 January 1978 Besinnung auf Liechtenstein Reflecting on Liechtenstein https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-03-epa-8161/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de The party's programme also included policies such as reducing excessive government bureaucracy,21 January 1978 Eine Lawine von Formularen ergiesst sich über den Bürger An avalanche of forms pours down upon the citizen https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-01-21-epa-8174/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de improving vocational education, and supporting the domestic workforce.1 February 1978 Schutz und Förderung der liechtensteinischen Arbeitskraft Protection and promotion of the Liechtensteiner workforce https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-02-01-epa-8181/ subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de Candidates Political parties in Liechtenstein require the support of 30 voters from a constituency to be eligible to nominate a candidate list in it.21 January 1953 Bekanntmachung Notice https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000469834_1953-01-21_19530121/35/-/ 4 August 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de A total of 30 candidates contested the election. OberlandFBPVU Peter Marxer Emanuel Vogt Noldi Frommelt Hilmar Ospelt Josef Frommelt Josef Biedermann Louis Gassner Klaus Wanger Peter Frick Karlheinz Ritter Alfred Hilbe Georg Gstöhl Franz Beck Wolfgang Feger August Beck Alfons Schädler Ludwig Seger Elias NiggUnterlandFBPVU Gerard Batliner Ernst Büchel Armin Meier Adolf Kranz Hubert Oehri Franz Elkuch Walter Oehry Werner Gstöhl Hermann Hassler Franz Meier Anton Hoop Franz OehriSource: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt4 February 1978 FBP-Wähler haben den Wahlerfolg verschenkt FBP voters have squandered their electoral success https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-02-04_19780204/381/-/ 18 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1–2 Results The VU received 49.2% of the vote, a 1.9% increase from 1974, and won a majority of eight seats, an increase of one. The FBP received 50.9%, a 0.8% increase from 1974 and won seven seats, a decrease of one.Vogt 1987 221–223 Despite the FBP receiving 1.7% more of the vote than the VU, the VU won more seats due to winning five seats in the Oberland electoral district by a narrow margin.Marxer 2009 3 A total of 4,362 ballots were cast, resulting in a 95.4% voter turnout.Vogt 1987 223File:Landtag liechtenstein 1970-1986.svg Patriotic Union 18244 8 Progressive Citizens' Party 18872 7 –1 45 4625 0 4879 VogtVogt 1987 223 A diagram of the seat distribution as a result of the election. It denotes eight for the VU and seven for the FBP respectively. By electoral district Electoral districtSeatsPartyElected membersSubstitutesVotes%Seats+/–Oberland9Patriotic Union*Karlheinz Ritter Alfons Schädler Franz Beck Wolfgang Feger Georg Gstöhl*Ludwig Seger August Beck Alfred Hilbe Elias Nigg14,05850.035 1Progressive Citizens' Party*Peter Marxer Hilmar Ospelt Noldi Frommelt Josef Biedermann*Josef Frommelt Emanuel Vogt Louis Gassner Klaus Wanger14,04049.974 1Unterland6Progressive Citizens' Party*Gerard Batliner Ernst Büchel Armin Meier*Adolf Kranz Hubert Oehri Franz Elkuch4,83253.5830Patriotic Union*Franz Meier Hermann Hassler Walter Oehry*Anton Hoop Franz Oehri Werner Gstöhl4,18646.4230Source: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt Aftermath Following the elections, the VU invited the FBP to begin negotiations for a renewed coalition government, which the FBP accepted.4 March 1978 Bitte nicht vom hohen Ross herab! Please don't talk down to us! https://www.vaterland.li/epaper/liechtensteiner-vaterland-1978-03-04-epa-8202/?searchword=Koalition subscription 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Vaterland 1 de The VU and FBP entered into a renewed coalition government, ultimately under the leadership of Brunhart.24 April 1978 Mit Optimismus in die Zukunft Looking to the future with optimism https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!fulltext/000476564_1978-04-24_19780424/1085/ 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de Due to ongoing issues such as negotiations with Switzerland and reforms to the company law in Liechtenstein, at the request of Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein, Kieber became deputy prime minister. The new government was sworn in on 26 April 1978.27 April 1978 Wahl der neuen Regierung Election of the new government https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/image/000476564_1978/1117/LOG_0083/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250321142833/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/http://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/image/000476564_1978/1117/LOG_0083/ 21 March 2025 11 November 2024 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt de On the first session of the newly-elected Landtag on 21 April, Karlheinz Ritter of the VU became President of the Landtag, with Gerard Batliner of the FBP as vice president.21 April 1978 Für Steuergerechtigkeit und Reservebildungen des Staates For tax fairness and the building of state reserves https://www.eliechtensteinensia.li/viewer/!image/000476564_1978-04-21_19780421/1065/-/ 20 October 2026 Liechtensteiner Volksblatt 1 de Due to the FBP's defeat the election, the party put forward another initiative to reintroduce the majority clause for elections.Vogt 1987 251 However, the proposal was again narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum held in 1981, albeit by a wider margin than in 1975.Vogt 1987 251Marxer 2009 3 References Bibliography Nohlen Dieter Dieter Nohlen Elections in Europe: A data handbook Stöver Philip 2010 Nomos 978-3-8329-5609-7 Vogt Paul Paul Vogt (historian) 125 Jahre Landtag 1987 Landtag of the Principality of Liechtenstein Vaduz de 125 Years of the State Parliament Marxer Wilfried Wilfried Marxer https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/ext-linst-c5-web-liechtenstein-institut.li-2019/8015/7435/0460/LIAP_023.pdf Landtagswahlen 2009: Regierungsbildung und Wählerpräferenzen in Liechtenstein 2009 Liechtenstein-Institut Bendern de 2009 State Parliament Elections: Government Formation and Voter Preferences in Liechtenstein Liechtenstein General Category:General elections in Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Category:Premiership of Hans Brunhart