A solemn session marking the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Moldova’s independence will take place today, August 26, in the historic hall of the Presidential Administration.
The building housed Moldova’s Parliament in 1991, when it was still the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian SSR.
President Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, MPs, government officials and signatories of the Declaration of Independence are expected to attend the event, which begins at 11:00 and will be broadcast live on RLive.
The ceremony will be moderated by Ioana Vatamanu-Margineanu, granddaughter of writer Ion Vatamanu and professor Ion Margineanu, both of whom were signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
Focus on the Legacy of Independence
According to the authorities, the session will focus on historical memory, the contribution of those who took part in proclaiming Moldova’s independence and the responsibility of today’s generation to strengthen the values on which the independent state was built.
Members of the Constitutional Court, representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, academia, civil society and religious communities, as well as veterans and former officials, have also been invited.
A Book of Honor will be opened during the ceremony, allowing participants to leave messages about the affirmation and consolidation of Moldova’s independence. The book will later be displayed at Parliament and made available to the public.
The Presidency, together with the National Archives Agency, has also opened a photographic exhibition dedicated to August 27, 1991. The exhibition features archival photographs taken by photographer Mihai Potarniche.
Independence Day Program
The main Independence Day celebrations will take place on August 27.
At 9:30, officials will lay flowers at the monument to Stephen the Great and Holy.
A military parade will begin at 16:30 in the Great National Assembly Square, bringing together more than 2,000 military personnel and representatives of participating institutions. According to Parliament, more than 1,000 pieces of military and specialized equipment will also be presented.
A concert dedicated to Independence Day will begin at 18:00 and will feature several Moldovan artists.
Both Maia Sandu and Igor Grosu have encouraged citizens to take part in the anniversary celebrations.
Zelensky and Nicusor Dan Expected in Chisinau
Romanian President Nicusor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are also expected in Chisinau on Independence Day at Maia Sandu’s invitation.
The two presidents are scheduled to attend the 35th anniversary events alongside the Moldovan president. The Presidency said details of their agendas and media opportunities would be announced separately.
The visit comes after Sandu traveled to Kyiv on August 24, where she awarded Zelensky the Order of the Republic, Moldova’s highest state distinction, for his contribution to defending peace and freedom on the European continent and for the courage of the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky, in turn, awarded Sandu the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, recognizing her contribution to strengthening cooperation between Moldova and Ukraine and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.