5.3.2 Communication measures by Liechtenstein
The Liechtenstein Government has only little information in the first four days of the crisis.
Information on the current situation is gleaned from media reports, information provided by
the affected banks LGT and LLB, and internal specialized offices.
The Government and the Government Spokesperson's Office therefore see their first task as
obtaining as much comprehensive information as possible, especially from LGT.
In the first four days of the crisis, from Thursday, 14 February, to Sunday, 17 February, the
issue is primarily the "Kieber case" and the "Zumwinkel affair", which primarily affects LGT
Bank. The strategy of the first few days therefore rests on two pillars:
1. Collect as extensive information as possible in order to conduct a situation analysis.
2. Respond to all media inquiries directly, thereby signaling openness, transparency and
professionalism to the media.
This turns out to be very helpful, since Liechtenstein 1s always accused of "secretiveness" and
"erecting a wall of silence".
In the first few days, Liechtenstein did not conduct any press conferences or issue any press
releases, but the following table lists the interviews and background talks that the Government
engaged in during this phase.
Date Medium Who
14.2.2008 Süddeutsche Zeitung Gerlinde Manz-Christ
Handelsblatt
Finanz & Wirtschaft
Vaterland
15.2.2008 Süddeutsche Zeitung
Handelsblatt
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Bild Zeitung
ARD (TV + Hörfunk)
ZDF
Blick
Finanz & Wirtschaft
Volksblatt
16.2.2008 ARD (Tagesschau)
ZDF (Heute Journal)
Total 15
Tab. 3: Interviews 14. - 17.2.2008 (Source: own compilation)
In the following Tab. 4, we see the initial jump in Liechtenstein reporting in general, which
increased even more over the following days.
Calendar week Day Date Total
Friday 15.2.2008 43
Week 7 Saturday 16.2.2008 117
Sunday 17.2.2008 34
otal 194
Tab. 4: Number of media reports 14. — 17.2.2008 (Source: own compilation)
30