MONARCHY IN DEMOCRACY: THERE IS A FUTURE

Abstract

This paper addresses, first of all, the question of the compatibility of monarchy with democracy, and is based on the idea that each society can be provided with a specifical form, wether monarchical or republican. Head of State, or of adopting any other form that bypasses both, as is the case in Switzerland, maintaining that any of these two options is fully democratic if it is governed by the rule of law. Secondly, the paper reviews some of the elements and current practices that show such compatibility in consolidated democratic countries, with special reference to the six European Union member states with a monarchical Head of State. The paper also briefly discusses the singularity of the fact that it is the family, a private law institution, which gives continuity to a constitutional body such as the Crown. Finally, some organisational and control aspects to strengthen the compatibility of the monarchy with democracy are analyzed.