“On June 28, Ukraine celebrates one of the most important national holidays – the Constitution Day. It is a holiday of democracy, the rule of law and the unbreakable faith in our future. This is the day when we honor our Basic Law and confirm our willingness to stand for the protection of the values embedded in it. We talk about history and interesting facts about the adoption of the Constitution. History and birth”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
On June 28, Ukraine celebrates one of the most important national holidays – the Constitution Day. It is a holiday of democracy, the rule of law and the unbreakable faith in our future. This is the day when we honor our Basic Law and confirm our willingness to stand for the protection of the values embedded in it. We talk about history and interesting facts about the adoption of the Constitution.
The history and birth of the Basic Law
Exactly June 28, 1996 after almost a day of continuous work, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Basic Law – the Constitution of Ukraine. This historical event has become a turning point in the development of an independent, democratic and rule of law. The process of creating the constitution was extremely complex and long -lasting, as the document had to absorb the interests of various political forces and wide sections of society. Its adoption was a prudent compromise, which laid a reliable basis for the stable development of the country and the establishment of its sovereignty after gaining independence.
Interesting facts and peculiarities of adoption of the Constitution
The process of adopting the Basic Law of Ukraine was full dramatic events and compromises, which indicates a difficult way of becoming statehood:
The longest without a constitution : Following the declaration of independence in 1991, Ukraine was the last of the former Soviet republics, which approved its own constitution only in 1996.
Hard transition : The writing and approval of the Constitution were long -lasting and accompanied by numerous conflicts and scandals. This was due to the country’s attempt to move from colonial status as part of the USSR to a sovereign democratic state and to rebuild the Soviet economy into a market with private property.
Political split : To agree on a single structure of the state was extremely difficult because of diametrically opposite political views of parties in parliament. Democratically -minded deputies were in the minority, while the left political forces, especially the Communists, had a majority.
President’s ultimatum : On June 26, 1996, then President Leonid Kuchma issued a decree to hold an all -Ukrainian referendum on the new Constitution on September 25, 1996. It was regarded as direct pressure on parliament and an attempt to control the constitutional process. It is believed that this ultimatum has forced the Verkhovna Rada to speed up work and approve the Constitution without a referendum so as not to lose its influence.
” Constitutional night “: The night from June 27 to June 28, 1996 became the longest in the history of Ukrainian parliamentarism. Almost 24 hours MP Mikhail Siroty, who is often called the father of the Constitution, represented her articles from the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada. The struggle was grueling, with debates on key issues, The status of Crimea and private land ownership.
Adoption and international recognition: After a 24-hour marathon almost continuous work, the Basic Law was passed at 9:20 am on June 28, 1996, 315 deputies voted for it. Subsequently, the international community recognized the Constitution of Ukraine as one of the most democratic in the world.
The value of the Constitution for Ukraine
Constitution of Ukraine – it is much more than just a collection of articles; It is a living organism that forms statehood and society:
- Guarantor of citizens’ rights and freedoms: It not only declares, but also immune to the basic human rights – from the right to life, freedom and dignity to the right to education, work, social protection and free expression of views. It is a kind of shield that protects every citizen.
- The foundation of the state system: The document clearly defines the principles of organization of state power, its division into independent branches – legislative, executive and judicial, as well as their powers. It is the key to balance and avoiding excessive concentration of power.
- Symbol of sovereignty and unity: The Constitution unconditionally confirms the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its status as a unitary state, where all regions are equal before the law. It is the cementing basis of our unity.
- Road card for the future: It not only captures the existing state, but also lays a strong foundations for the further development of legislation, social relations and democratic institutions, ensuring stability, predictability and progress.
Constitution Day in the Case
This year, in the conditions of full -scale Russian aggression, the Constitution Day is of particular importance. Every provision of the Basic Law, every article that guarantees our rights and freedoms is felt more acute. We are aware that the Constitution is the inviolable foundation on which we rebuild our country, protect our sovereignty and courageously fight for freedom and independence. This holiday is a reminder that we, Ukrainians, are state -formations, and each of us is responsible for compliance with laws and upholding democratic values.
