BERLIN — Citizens of Liechtenstein have made a significant decision in a recent referendum, opting to eliminate state support for the nation’s public radio station, which now casts uncertainty over its future.

In the voting held on Sunday, official results revealed that 55.4% of voters favored the elimination of existing legislation that allocates government funding to Radio Liechtenstein, set to take effect at the end of 2025.

The initiative behind this proposal came from the minor opposition group, Demokraten pro Liechtenstein. The party contended that Radio Liechtenstein consumes more than 70% of the governmental media funds, creating an unfair competitive edge compared to private media outlets. They advocated for the privatization of the station.

Radio Liechtenstein was expected to receive public funding amounting to 3.95 million Swiss francs (approximately $4.6 million) within the following four years.

Prior to the referendum, the government raised concerns about the feasibility of successfully privatizing Radio Liechtenstein, arguing that a private radio station in the principality might struggle to secure sufficient advertising revenue.

According to data, Radio Liechtenstein had an average of 11,400 daily listeners in 2021, which was the last year for which listener statistics were published.

This small European principality is home to about 39,000 inhabitants and shares borders with Switzerland and Austria. It maintains strong connections with Switzerland, particularly through a customs and currency union.