Today, the Republic of Moldova marks Sovereignty Day, which commemorates 36 years since deputies of the former Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian SSR adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty on 23 June 1990.
The declaration established the primacy of domestic law over Union legislation and introduced key elements of statehood, including the right to citizenship and the ability to establish independent international relations.
Members of the first Parliament state that the democratic movement during the national revival period achieved its first major milestone through this declaration. They say deputies voted in a tense political context marked by pressure from Moscow, which influenced some voting decisions.
Deputies approved the declaration with 257 votes in favour, 10 against, and 30 abstentions. In 1991, one year after the milestone, authorities issued the first series of postage stamps featuring state symbols.
On 27 August 1991, the Parliament in Chisinau adopted the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Moldova, establishing the country’s independence, democracy, and rule of law.