“Thirty-five years ago, we were able to unite around a common goal – a free and independent Latvia – and I am convinced that we are still capable of doing so today,” President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized in his address marking the anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.
The President recalled that on May 4, 1990, proud and hopeful people stood outside the Supreme Council building in Old Riga, holding bunches of lilacs in white and violet, to greet the deputies — the overwhelming majority of whom had voted in favor of restoring the independence of the Republic of Latvia.
He explained that behind the Supreme Council stood Latvian patriots — people who had demonstrated their desire to make their own decisions, to speak their language, to preserve their culture, and to seek truth rather than follow five-year plans. The President stressed that these patriots wanted to build Latvia, not to prop up a decaying empire. Rinkēvičs expressed gratitude to everyone who, over the past 35 years, has protected, shaped, and genuinely loved Latvia.
“Thirty-five years ago, we were able to unite around a shared goal — one greater than our everyday disagreements: a free and independent Latvia. I am convinced we still can,” the President stated.
In his congratulatory message, he called on everyone to celebrate the Restoration of Independence Day, emphasizing that celebrating and rejoicing are just as important as protecting the country.
The President encouraged people to meet their loved ones, greet even those neighbors they’ve never spoken to, and to share joy with strangers. In his words, if we have a common goal, “we are not strangers — we are all one, we are Latvia.”
Today marks the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.
On May 4, 1990, 138 out of 201 members of the Supreme Council voted to adopt the declaration “On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.”
Thousands of people gathered outside the parliament building throughout the day, following the historic vote. Deputies who, after the vote, went to a rally at Daugavmala were greeted with flowers and loud cheers. Meanwhile, the Communists and Interfront members who refused to participate in the vote left the parliament building through the back door.
Also on May 4, 1990, Supreme Council Chairman Anatolijs Gorbunovs sent a message to USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev stating that the Republic of Latvia was beginning a transitional period for the de facto restoration of state power. Similar messages were sent to governments around the world, as well as to the peoples and democratic movements of the USSR.