Latvian parliament marks 35 years since independence restoration

Latvia’s parliament is holding a ceremonial sitting to mark 35 years since the country’s de facto restoration of independence, LSM reported.

The sitting began at noon, with speeches by Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List.

Former Supreme Council deputies who voted to restore independence, Latvia’s president and representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps were invited to attend.

On August 21, 1991, Latvia’s Supreme Council adopted the constitutional law “On the State Status of the Republic of Latvia.” The law ended the transition period and completed the de facto restoration of independence.

The deputies adopted the law despite occupying forces’ armoured vehicles in Dome Square and an army helicopter circling above the parliament building.

The date marked the restoration of Latvia’s actual independence, began the country’s real path to independence, restored the Constitution and separated Latvia’s legal system from the Soviet Union.

Before the ceremonial sitting, deputies laid flowers at the Freedom Monument.

At 2 p.m., Statehood Awards established by the May 4 Declaration Club association will be presented at Riga Castle. The awards aim to promote public respect and understanding of Latvia’s statehood and its social and political importance in the lives of residents.

The ceremony is also being streamed on LSM.lv.