09. Progress or Regression? The Constitutions from 1841 to 2023
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition of the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
The Monarchical Constitution: Power Preservation over Civil Rights (1841) by William IIChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The Beginnings – The Constitution of 1841
After the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Luxembourg becomes a Grand Duchy in personal union with the Netherlands. King-Grand Duke William I rules absolutely. Following the Belgian Revolution, William II grants Luxembourg a constitution in 1841.
The 1841 Constitution is not a true constitution, but an imposed state fundamental law that granted the ruler nearly absolute power.
The Liberal Constitution of 1848
The revolutionary movements of 1848 also reach Luxembourg. Under pressure from the population and liberal forces, a new constitution is introduced that guarantees more civil rights and freedoms. William II does not travel to Luxembourg to sign the constitution. Instead, he summons a delegation from the Constituent Assembly to The Hague, where he signs the document on 10 July 1848.
The liberal Constitution (09.07.1848) by Constuent AssembyChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The liberal 1848 constitution strengthens fundamental rights and makes the Chamber of Deputies a co-legislator. It follows the Belgian model—except for one key point: no free schools. This draws sharp criticism from the Catholic Church.
In his speech at the signing of the liberal constitution on July 10, 1848, William II emphasises: The granted freedoms are a concession, not a loss of power. The crown remains the center of order.
The Belgian constitution guarantees freedom of education in Article 17. The Luxembourg draft, by contrast, seeks to make schooling state property and regulate education through secular laws alone.
Translated from: Nicolas Adames, Abwehr des in dem neuen Verfassungs-Entwurfe für das Großherzogthum Luxemburg enthaltenen Angriffes auf die Rechte und Freiheiten der Katholischen Kirche, 1848
Struggle for Educational Authority: Church vs. State Struggle for Educational Authority: Church vs. State (19.05.1843) by Nicolas AdamesChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
On 19 May 1848, Provicar Nicolas Adames protests the constitution. He views state control over education and teacher appointments as a direct attack on the Church’s autonomy.
Setback: The Coup of 1856
The liberal breakthrough of 1848 does not last. After the death of William II in 1849, his son William III ascends to the throne and questions the constitution. With the support of the German Confederation, he undermines the achievements and strengthens the power of the monarchy.
After a vote of no confidence by the Chamber of Deputies against the reactionary government appointed by the monarch's brother, Prince-Lieutenant Henri, William III closes the parliamentary session and dissolves the Chamber.
A Coup Against the Constitution (27.11.1856) by William IIIChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Since William III disregards the existing constitution, the constitutional amendment of 1856 is considered a coup d'État. Monarchical sovereignty is restored, the Chamber is renamed "Estates Assembly," and its powers are significantly restricted.
1868: A Compromise in the Shadow of the Monarchy
With the dissolution of the German Confederation in 1866 and Luxembourg's status of neutrality established by the Treaty of London in 1867, the political balance changes. The changed constitution of 1868 creates a compromise between the King Grand Duke and the Chamber of Deputies, without completely relinquishing monarchical supremacy.
Three Constitutions in Comparison (2023) by B. ReiterChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
A comparison of the constitutions shows the shift from monarchical dominance (1841) through liberal reforms (1848) to renewed authority of the monarch (1856).
The Path to Modern Democracy (1919 – 2023)
The tense situation following World War I and widespread political discontent lead to protests in early 1919. In parliament, liberals and socialists call for the end of the monarchy. On 9 January 1919, a Committee of Public Safety proclaims a republic – but in vain. Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde abdicates that same month. On 20 May, a constitutional revision enshrines universal suffrage – including for women – and strengthens parliamentary democracy.
In June 1918, a petition for universal suffrage is submitted to the Chamber of Deputies. It is eventually adopted in May 1919. From 20 May 1919, a consolidated version of the Constitution comes into force.
Nevertheless, the unrest does not subside.
Large demonstration in front of the Chamber of Deputies (13.08.1913) by UnknownChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
On August 13, 1919, the Parliament debates inflation allowances for workers and employees. Outside the parliamentary building, demonstrators gather for a mass rally to exert pressure on the deputies.
The shattered windows of the Chamber building (13.08.1913) by UnknownChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The situation gets out of control, and windows of the parliamentary building are broken.
The scenes from August 13, 1919, are reminiscent of the unrest of 1848. Back then, protesters threatened the home of Mayor Ferdinand Pescatore – an expression of the political and social tensions of that time. In 2023, the Luxembourg Constitution is comprehensively reformed – a step on the democratic path aimed at ensuring participation and alleviating social tensions.
The drafting of the revised constitution extended over more than two decades and resulted in extensive documentation, including minutes of committee meetings, parliamentary documents, and reports.
From the imposed constitutional law of 1841 to the 2023 reform, Luxembourg’s constitutions reflect their time. The 2023 milestone promises greater participation and legal certainty.
But history reminds us: democracy is not a finished product, but a continuous negotiation. Which path will Luxembourg choose? Progress or regression – the answer lies in the hands of its citizens. Find out who elects the parliament in 2025.
This is how it continues: 10. The Men Who Shape Luxembourg’s Future
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from theexhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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