Moldova's path to sovereignty: 35 years on
Thirty-five years ago, the Republic of Moldova took a courageous step—a stride towards freedom and the right to self-determination.
On June 23, 1990, the Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted. This was more than just a document; it marked the beginning of Moldova's journey towards independence and its struggle for dignity.
Among other provisions, the Declaration of Sovereignty stipulated that the Moldovan SSR was a sovereign and independent state, possessing its own legislative, executive, and judicial powers, and that its laws would take precedence over those of the Soviet Union. The document was adopted with only one abstention.
This Monday, at 6:55 PM, we invite you to tune in to Moldova1 for a special broadcast dedicated to Sovereignty Day. We'll revisit those pivotal moments, hear testimonies from those who experienced that historic time, and listen to the voices of those who continue to uphold the spirit of this day.
DECLARATION of Sovereignty of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic No. 148-XII of June 23, 1990
Official Gazette No. 8/192, 1990
The Supreme Soviet of the Moldovan SSR, Twelfth Legislature, convened for its first session, recognizing the fundamental truth that all individuals are equal and possess the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and prosperity; acutely aware of its historical responsibility for the destiny of Moldova, a nation with a rich millennial history, culture, and traditions; respecting the sovereign rights of all peoples; with the aim of establishing justice, safeguarding legality, and ensuring social stability; and expressing the will of the people, hereby solemnly proclaims:
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic is a sovereign state. The sovereignty of the Moldovan SSR is the natural and indispensable condition for the existence of Moldovan statehood.
The source and bearer of sovereignty is the people. Sovereignty shall be exercised in the interest of the entire populace by the republic's supreme representative body of state power. No segment of the populace, no group of citizens, no political party or public organization, no other entity, and no private individual may assume the right to exercise sovereignty.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic is a unitary and indivisible state. The borders of the Moldovan SSR may be altered only through mutual agreements between the Moldovan SSR and other sovereign states, in accordance with the will of the people, historical truth, and with due consideration for generally recognized norms of international law.
The land, subsoil, waters, forests, and other natural resources located within the territory of the Moldovan SSR, along with its entire economic, financial, and scientific-technical potential, and the values of its national heritage, constitute the exclusive and unconditional property of the Moldovan SSR. These shall be utilized to satisfy the material and spiritual needs of the republic's people. Enterprises, organizations, institutions, and other facilities belonging to the community of sovereign states, foreign states and their citizens, or international organizations may be located within the territory of the Moldovan SSR and may utilize its natural resources only with the consent of the respective state authorities of the Moldovan SSR and in the manner stipulated by the republic's legislation.
To ensure the socio-economic, political, and legal guarantees of the republic's sovereignty, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldovan SSR hereby establishes:
- The full scope of power of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic in resolving all matters of state and public life;
- The supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the Moldovan SSR throughout its entire territory. Union laws and other normative acts shall only take effect in Moldova after their ratification (confirmation) by the Republic's Supreme Soviet, and any existing acts that contradict Moldova's sovereignty shall be suspended.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic recognizes the sovereign rights of all states. As a sovereign state, the Moldovan SSR shall have the right to enter into unions of states, voluntarily delegating certain powers to them, to revoke such powers, or to withdraw from these unions in the manner stipulated by the respective treaty.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic shall participate in the exercise of powers it has transferred to the community of sovereign states, while retaining its plenipotentiary representation in other sovereign states. Any disagreements between the Moldovan SSR and the community of sovereign states shall be resolved in the manner stipulated by the respective Treaty.
Republican citizenship shall be established in the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic. All citizens of the republic, foreign citizens, and stateless persons residing within the territory of the Moldovan SSR shall be guaranteed the rights and freedoms provided by the Constitution and other legislative acts of the Moldovan SSR, by the universally recognized principles and norms of international law, and they shall be subject to the laws of the republic. Citizens of Moldova who are outside the Republic shall be protected by the Moldovan SSR.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic shall guarantee all citizens, political parties, public organizations, mass movements, and religious organizations, operating in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Moldovan SSR, equal legal opportunities to participate in the exercise of state and public functions.
The separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers constitutes the fundamental principle for the functioning of the Moldovan SSR as a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic respects the Charter of the United Nations and expresses its adherence to the universally recognized principles and norms of international law, as well as its commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding with all countries and peoples. It pledges not to permit confrontations in international, interstate, and interethnic relations, while simultaneously defending the interests of the people of the Moldovan SSR.
The Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic, as an equal subject in international relations and agreements, declares itself a demilitarized zone. It shall actively contribute to strengthening world peace and security, and participate directly in the European process for cooperation and security, within European structures.
This Declaration shall serve as the basis for the drafting of a new Constitution for the Moldovan SSR, the improvement of republican legislation, and as the Moldovan SSR's position for the preparation and conclusion of the Union Treaty within the community of sovereign states.
The Supreme Soviet of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic Chișinău, June 23, 1990 No. 148-XII
Translation by Iurie Tataru
