08. New Wind? The Liberal Parliament 1848-1850
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition of the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
1848 brings Luxembourg a constitution, an elected parliament, and new rights. But as in Edmond de la Fontaine's Vulleparlament (Birds' Parliament) various groups are fighting for the political future. Who will prevail – the conservative forces or the reformers?
The Birth of the Liberal Parliament
The new constitution promises progress, but not everyone will benefit from it.
The constitution of 1848 strengthens the parliament: the Chamber of Deputies becomes a co-legislator, while the King-Grand Duke retains the final word. Rights such as freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly are enshrined.
Who votes? Who remains excluded?
The election is a progress, but not a revolution. Those who do not pay taxes remain politically powerless. The new chamber represents only a small part of the population.
Direct, but not for everyone
On September 28, 1848, about 9,000 to 10,000 men elect the Chamber of Deputies – a direct but not universal election. The census remains at 10 francs, and women are excluded.
The previous relationship, in which the estates were only to represent and safeguard their own rights related to their bodies, has been replaced in the modern state by the higher view that the parliament represents the entire population, not just individual estates.
Translated from: Karl Biedermann, Parliament, in: The State Lexicon: Encyclopedia of All Political Sciences for All Classes. Leipzig, 1856/66, Vol. IX, p. 407.
Petition Becomes Politics
The movement of March and April 1848 found its expression in a large number of petitions. Starting from the third session on April 27, 1848, the constituent assembly begins analysing the submissions. It decides to forward all petitions to the relevant committees. The demands of the petitioners influence both the Constitution and the initial laws of the newly elected chamber.
Already the Constituent Assembly implemented demands regarding the constitution, tax policy, and local issues – an attempt to give the people more influence. One example is the thatched roofing law, whose abolition was part of the reforms.
After the French Revolution, the state had taken over the communal forests. In 1848, petitions demanded their return. The Forestry Law of November 14, 1849, brings a compromise: municipalities gain a say in the management of their forests.
In 1848, petitions demanded a reform of the education system. The new Chamber responds: On February 6, 1849, a law allows private schools and gives the church influence in the supervisory bodies for secondary and higher education.
Liberals against Liberals – a Divided camp
Already during the election campaign for the new parliament, old conflicts had resurfaced within the liberal faction.
This election campaign leaflet invokes liberal unity. The conservative liberals warn against division.
Election Losers Remain in Power
The old elite clings to power despite democratic advances. The king ignores the will of the voters and appoints a conservative government.
During the election campaign, all parties fought for votes with pamphlets and press articles. The monarchists loyal to Governor de la Fontaine lose their majority. However, William II ignores the results and maintains a conservative government under de la Fontaine.
With set rules, the new Chamber of Deputies ensures orderly debates and decision-making processes – a milestone for the young parliament on the path to political self-assertion.
Naturalisation as a Political Weapon
Citizenship becomes a political pawn in the new Chamber of Deputies. Those who are naturalised can participate in decision-making – and this is precisely what leads to conflicts.
Norbert Metz: Shaper of Luxembourg’s Political and Industrial Landscape (1840-1885) by Gottlieb BiermannChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
A showdown over power and citizenship: Just before the Constitution of 1848 comes into effect, William II naturalises over 30 foreign officers – an attempt to bypass the chamber. Norbert Metz counters, and the opposition obstructs.
Mockery as a Weapon in the Political Struggle
While the opposition fights against the controversial government, the satirical poem D’Vulleparlament am Gréngewald is published on November 5, 1848.
Written by Edmond de la Fontaine, the son of the head of government, the poem mocks government critics. However, the laughter does not last long. On November 9, 1848, the government resigns.
On December 2, 1848, Jean-Jacques Willmar takes over leadership. Along with Norbert Metz, Mathias Ulrich, and Jean Ulveling, the new government focuses on reforms while the parliament gains self-confidence.
The Parliament on the Path to Institution
Despite the setback caused by the coup d'état of 1856, the state continues to evolve. The parliament strives to establish its place in the political order. While some benefit from the reforms, political participation remains limited until the introduction of universal suffrage in 1919.
A new house for the upper chamber (1861-1869) by Mathias ErasmyChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
A new house for the upper chamber
Tap to explore
In 1848, naturalization became a political tool. In 2025, the question remains: who gets to participate – and how open is the political system?
In the 2015 referendum, voters rejected granting foreign residents the right to vote in parliamentary elections. Luxembourg continues to face the challenge of defining what role nationality plays in democracy.
Information about the activities of the Chamber of Deputies in 2025 can be found here: Sessions are open to the public. How often does parliament meet? What public and parliamentary questions are raised? Which topics dominate?
This is how it continues: 09. Progress or Regression? The Constitutions from 1841 to 2023
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from the exhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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