Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein vs Victor Emmanuel III

Hans-Adam II became Prince of Liechtenstein on November 13, 1989, following the death of his father, Prince Franz Joseph II. He inherited a constitutional monarchy with significant powers, including the ability to veto legislation and dissolve parliament.

Under Hans-Adam II's reign, Liechtenstein transformed into a major financial center, leveraging low taxes and banking secrecy. He oversaw the modernization of the economy, including accession to the European Economic Area in 1995, boosting prosperity but also attracting international scrutiny over tax evasion.

Hans-Adam II pushed through a constitutional reform in a 2003 referendum, expanding his powers to include the right to dismiss the government, veto laws, and appoint judges. The reform was controversial, with critics calling it a step toward absolutism, but it passed with 64% support.

On August 15, 2004, Hans-Adam II transferred the day-to-day executive powers to his son, Hereditary Prince Alois, while retaining the role of head of state. This move was part of a planned succession and allowed Alois to gain experience in governance.

Victor Emmanuel III approved the Treaty of London, committing Italy to enter World War I on the side of the Allies. Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, leading to years of costly fighting on the Italian front. The war resulted in over 600,000 Italian deaths.

After the March on Rome, Victor Emmanuel III refused to sign a decree of martial law and instead appointed Benito Mussolini as prime minister. This decision enabled the Fascist takeover of Italy, ending the liberal parliamentary system.

Following the Allied invasion of Sicily and a vote of no confidence by the Grand Council of Fascism, Victor Emmanuel III dismissed and arrested Mussolini. The king appointed Marshal Pietro Badoglio as prime minister and began secret armistice negotiations with the Allies.

Victor Emmanuel III and Badoglio signed an armistice with the Allies, announced on September 8, 1943. The German army responded by occupying northern and central Italy, disarming Italian forces, and triggering the Italian Civil War. The king fled to Brindisi.

Under pressure from the Allies and anti-fascist parties, Victor Emmanuel III formally abdicated in favor of his son Umberto II. The move was an attempt to save the monarchy before a referendum on its future. He went into exile in Egypt.