Liechtenstein marked Prince Hans Adam's Offcial Birthday Saturday with the usual gaiety, fireworks, a Holy Mass on a field next to the Castle and a speech by Hereditary Prince Alois.
Ever since Prince Franz Josef II (1906-1989) decided that the Catholic holiday of Mary's Ascension - August 15 - was a better choice for date of the national day, Liechtenstein has celebrated its sovereign's birthday on this date. Franz Josef by the way, was born August 16.
His successor Prince Hans Adam II has kept the tradition and it is unlikely his son Hereditary Prince Alois, who now runs the daily affairs of the country in name of his father, will change it.
In his speech Alois, who earlier this week announced a new accord with the United Kingdom that will help London uncover untaxed fortunes hidden away in the tiny Alpine principality by U.K. taxpayers, said Liechtenstein has taken "important steps to get the required reorientation as financial centre off the ground."
"Transforming our financial centre in the middle of the biggest economic crisis in decades is certainly not an easy undertaking. I am, however, convinced that the course we have taken is the right one and will ultimately be successful. It is the only course to ensure the stable and sustainable growth of our financial centre", Prince Alois said.
"To achieve this growth, we must take the next steps now, with the necessary determination and speed. Slackening off all too soon because competing centres appear to be slower than us harbours the risk of an opportunity wasted", he added.
He issued a warning to the Liechtenstein population, gathered at the meadow next to the princely castle. "The drop in public income calls for comparatively drastic action in our spoilt society. If in future, we are to enjoy a standard of living similar to that of the past, we will have to cut government spending in a manner we have not been accustomed to."
"However, we should not just economise, but also further enhance the attractiveness of Liechtenstein as a business location. Here, I rely specifically on the cooperation of the responsible stakeholders in government and business which has proven its worth in our country", Alois continued in his speech.
At the conclusion he said "my family and I invite you to take some refreshments at Vaduz Castle. I warmly thank all those who have helped organise our national holiday, and I wish you all a wonderful holiday and God's blessing." © GPD; Pictures by © Royal Press Europe
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