BERLIN (AP) — Independent candidates have done surprisingly well in a parliamentary election in the tiny Alpine principality of Liechtenstein.

The newly-formed group, The Independents, took 15.3 percent of the vote to come third in Sunday's vote.

The centrist Patriotic Union of Prime Minister Klaus Tschuetscher suffered the biggest loss of votes compared to 2009 and came second with 33.5 percent.

The center-right Progressive Citizens' Party came first with 40 percent, slightly less than four years ago, while the left-leaning Free List gained ground with 11.1 percent of the vote.

Observers say the independent's success results from popular anger about planned austerity measures.

The four independent candidates to win a place in the 25-seat parliament include a banker and a cross-dressing mechanic.

Talks to form a new coalition government are now under way.