Liechtenstein’s hereditary prince Alois used the first veto of his reign to quash a parliament-approved bill backed by a national petition to quash a bill aimed at bringing their abortion laws in line with much of Europe.
The legislation was approved by Liechtenstein’s parliament last month after the presentation of a citizens’ initiative signed by roughly a quarter of the nation’s voters.
The news left campaigners in the principality, which is home to some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe, reeling. “We’re not really surprised, but still disappointed,” said Tatjana As’Ad, who led the initiative to overhaul the law and who works for the small leftwing party, Free List. “It’s surreal what’s happening right now in 2026 in a state in the middle of Europe.”
SOURCE: The Guardian, by Ashifa Kassam, European Community Affairs Correspondent, 23 October 2026.