Liechtenstein urged to open tax books

Crown Prince of Liechtenstein furious at increased pressure to lift bank secrecy rules in the tax haven for the benefit of the German taxman

Written by David Jetuah

A powerful think-tank has joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel in demanding Liechtenstein should lift its privacy rules, a call which has angered the tax haven's Crown Prince.

The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development weighed into the dispute after the principality came under the spotlight after a crackdown by German tax authorities on 750 of its citizens allegedly holding undeclared trusts in Liechtenstein's banks.

Crown Prince Alois accused Germany of staging an 'attack' on his country, the FT reported.

Liechtenstein's secrecy protocols were 'a relic of a forgotten age', said Angel Gurria, the OECD's secretary general.

Further reading:

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