Memmingen Marks 500 Years of the Twelve Articles with Historic Commemoration

German leaders honor the pivotal 1525 document that shaped early calls for freedom and democracy during a major anniversary event in Memmingen.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bavarian Premier Markus Söder delivered speeches at a packed Martinskirche in Memmingen, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Twelve Articles.
The Twelve Articles, drafted in 1525 during the German Peasants' War, are considered one of Europe's earliest calls for freedom and human rights, challenging feudal oppression and advocating for equality.
Steinmeier emphasized the Articles' role in shaping Germany's democratic traditions, calling them a cornerstone of the nation's historical memory.
The commemorative event included a livestreamed ceremony, musical performances, and a modern reinterpretation of the Twelve Articles by local students.
A new Bavarian exhibition, 'Project Freedom – Memmingen 1525,' was inaugurated, alongside regional events and displays exploring the Articles' historical and cultural significance.