German president opens major exhibition on Peasants' War of 1525
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened a major exhibition on the Peasants' Revolt in the Bavarian town of Memmingen on Saturday, taking a swipe at opponents of democracy.
The exhibition, at the town's Museum of Bavarian History, commemorates the 500th anniversary of the manifesto of the peasant movement, known as the twelve articles, written in 1525.
These included principles such as self-determination, justice and social participation, which are an outstanding and enduring testament to Germany's history of freedom, Steinmeier said.
He added that the country is experiencing threats and attacks to liberal democracy - both from within and from outside - with a force that many had not thought possible.
Steinmeier, to applause, remarked that ironically, those who agitate against democratic institutions and only want freedom for themselves or for their group are the ones citing historical freedom movements.
The exhibition, titled "Project Freedom - Memmingen 1525," is open until October 19.
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