The forgotten Hero – Matthias Erzberger – Commemorating his lasting contribution to Democracy

Matthias Erzberger Transcription (DE, EN)

Join us for a hybrid event on Wednesday 24 November from 13.00-14.00 hrs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Matthias Erzberger, a German publicist, politician and Finance Minister from 1919 to 1920.  Erzberger was prominent in the Catholic Centre Party; he spoke out against World War I from 1917; and as the authorised representative of the Reich Government signed the Armistice between Germany and the Allied Powers.  He was assassinated in 1921 by the right-wing terrorist group, Organisation Consul.

Discover more about 'Erzberger', not only his historical significance regarding the contribution he made to democracy - that is still valid today - but also his contribution to the independence of Lithuania, cruelly cut short by his assassination in 1921. 

A short film on his life will open the event, which will include Members of the European Parliament with two renowned Professors, Dr. Simonas Jazavita (LT) and Dr. Christopher Dowe (DE), both specialists in the life and history of this patriot and visionary.

Programme

13.00-13.05 hrs     Welcome

13.05-13.10 hrs     Introduction, Mr. Rainer Wieland MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament

13.10-13.15 hrs     Short film on the life of Matthias Erzberger

13.15-13.30 hrs     'Erzberger and Europe', Dr. Simonas Jazavita expert, invited by Liudas Mazylis MEP

13.30-13.45 hrs     'Erzberger and Democracy', Dr. Christopher Dowe

13.45-14.00 hrs     Questions and answers