International conference on 35th anniversary of first Parliament of Moldova held in Chisinau

An international conference today was held in Chisinau, to mark the 35th anniversary of the legal establishment of the first democratically elected Parliament of Moldova.

The ceremony held at the Presidency began with the honoring of the flag and the national anthem of the Republic of Moldova.

Attending the event, President Maia Sandu noted that the first Parliament granted the country independence and now it is our duty to give future generations a European, free, just and dignified Moldova. According to the head of state, now, 35 years after the legal establishment of the first Parliament, Moldovans were experiencing a new crossroads moment and had a historic chance to definitively anchor Moldova in the free, democratic and prosperous, world through integration into the European Union.

“The today's conference marks a fundamental moment in the history of the Republic of Moldova - 35 years since the legal establishment of the first democratically elected Parliament, which not only legislated, but marked the beginning of a path, our way to freedom, independence and democracy. The first Parliament had the courage to call things by their name, reinstated the tricolor, made the Romanian language official and voted for the Declaration of Independence. And perhaps most importantly - it opened the door to a pluralistic society, where freedom and human rights are fundamental values. Through its courage, the first Parliament gave us back our freedom and laid the foundation for democratic institutions. Today, when democracy is increasingly challenged worldwide, we understand that it is not a gift, but a fragile construct that must be protected, strengthened and constantly cared for. Thirty five years after the legal establishment of the Parliament of independence, we are going through a new crossroads moment. We have a historic chance to definitively anchor Moldova in the free, democratic and prosperous world, through the integration into European Union. For this path to succeed, we must stay faithful to the values that united us at that time: the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and respect for democratic institutions,” emphasized Maia Sandu.

President of Moldova’s Academy of Sciences (ASM), Academician Ion Tighineanu highlighted the role of scientists in promoting and consolidating the values that define us. “If we want to join the European Union, then we must recognize science as one of the national priorities, giving it the support it deserves. I extend congratulations to the members of the Parliament of Independence on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of its establishment and wish them much success in their work focused on promoting our values and ideals,” said Ion Tighineanu.

“The independence of the Republic of Moldova was hard-won and maintained through the sacrifice of our visionary colleagues, through the heroic acts of our young volunteers and police officers, who fell heroically at Tighina, Cosnita or Dubasari, in the turmoil of the illegal war. Yet, the Parliament of Independence fulfilled its historic mission,” said poet, publicist, academician Ion Hadarca, member of the First Parliament, Deputy Parliament Speaker of Moldova (1990-1993).

On April 17, 1990, the first meeting of the democratically elected Parliament of Moldova took place.