And Justice Minister Tschütscher clarified: "German citizens certainly also invest black
money in cars. But no one wants to ban cars for that reason." (SZ, 23.2.2008, 3) and "Legal
certainty includes respect for privacy. [...] Also in tax matters, Liechtenstein is based on a
mentality of trust between citizens and authorities." (FTD, 25.2.2008, 25) and "It is more than
incomprehensible that Germany mandated the EU Commission to conduct negotiations with
Liechtenstein [i.e. on the EU Anti-Fraud Agreement that has been negotiated between the EU
and Liechtenstein since the beginning of 2007], and then — during a phase of constructive
talks — had its intelligence services purchase business secrets that had been obtained by a
crime in Liechtenstein." (dpa-AFX, 19.2.2008). For "[...] if fraud should be identified, we are
of course willing to grant mutual legal assistance." (Prime Minister Hasler, FAZ, 22.2.2008,
4).
> Conclusion: The German media certainly provided space for representatives of the
Liechtenstein Government, but a review of the documents gives the
impression that pithier and clearer language would have helped publicity.
Liechtenstein was clearly in the defensive role and did not have as close
relationships with the media as obviously some German Government
members did, whose opinions were reported verbatim in some media (see
Steinbrück's demands for "instruments of torture" for States such as
Liechtenstein, which were reported by SZ on 19 June 2008, p. 22, without
comment, as if by a press office).
Paul Vogt, Member of Parliament of the Free List opposition party, summarized the
situation as follows: "The scandal is shaking the foundations of the Liechtenstein financial
center." (SZ, 27.2.2008, 30).
> Conclusion: The Liechtenstein opposition was the only group in Liechtenstein that
expressed (self-)critical remarks on the events and thus stabbed its own
Government in the back in this international debate (see also final
conclusions).
With his statements, Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein certainly expressed
the public opinion in Liechtenstein and received much domestic policy recognition for that
reason. As Head of State, he can rely on access to the mass media when he speaks in public,
as in the press conference on 19.2.2008, which he conducted jointly with Justice Minister
Tschütscher. "A grossly exaggerated attack has been launched against Liechtenstein. [...]
Apparently, the goal is to deal in stolen goods on a massive scale." (Reuters, 19.2.2008) and
"An international study has [...] classified the German tax system as the worst worldwide —
even worse than Haiti. [...] The approach taken by the German authorities would not be
protected by law in Liechtenstein." (Dow Jones, 19.2.2008) and "Is such an approach toward
one of the smallest States in Europe [Liechtenstein is the fourth-smallest State in Europe, after
Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino] really compatible with the basic principles of the
democratic rule of law?" (Bórsenzeitung, 20.2.2008, 3) and "Germany will not solve the
problem with its taxpayers by attacking Liechtenstein. [...] Germany should instead invest its
tax revenue in improving its tax system rather than spending millions on data whose legal
usability is in doubt." (Handelsblatt, 20.2.2008, 4) and "In Liechtenstein, fiscal interests
cannot trump principles of the rule of law." (SZ, 20.2.2008, 4)
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