President's message at Sovereignty March

Dear citizens,

Honorable members of the Parliament of Independence,

Welcome to the Presidency!

35 years ago, right here in this building, a group of brave and hopeful people voted for what the entire nation longed for – sovereignty, freedom, and dignity.

It was one of the first great victories of the National Liberation Movement. A historic decision, which made the Declaration of Independence possible a year later.

On June 23, 1990, our country was declared sovereign – an act of detachment from the Soviet Empire. An act of affirming national dignity. Our forefathers fought for sovereignty, freedom, and we have the duty to protect them.

Sovereignty is not shouted, it is built day by day. Those who today engrave sovereignty on their foreheads, but in fact fight to subjugate Moldova once again to a foreign state, an empire that brings only destruction, misery, and poverty, these people want to pervert the word 'Sovereignty.'

Especially now, as we witness a new attack by Russian imperialism, denying the right to existence and independence of countries from the former USSR – be it Moldova, Ukraine, or other states.

Russia does not hide this intention: it does so with tanks and rockets in Ukraine and with a hybrid war in Moldova – a war that aims to poison our souls with hatred, to erase our culture, to rewrite our history, and to weaken us from within, as a people.

To proclaim sovereignty today means the same as it did 35 years ago – sovereignty from any foreign intervention that endangers our freedom, our right to speak Romanian, to know our history. Sovereignty means that Moldovans decide for Moldova, no matter where they are – at home or abroad. In 35 years we have gone through many trials. But we have stayed united and resisted.

Many of those who fought for freedom, who sacrificed their careers, peaceful lives, or even physical safety are here today. We bow before you.

On August 27, 1991, we told the whole world: we are independent. Sovereignty, the tricolor, independence united us then. But above all, our love for this land united us. Let us be united today by the same values: the desire for freedom, a real and protected sovereignty, respect for history and national dignity. Let us not stop halfway. And to those who tell us that we cannot, that we do not deserve or that we will not succeed, let us show them they are wrong.

Moldova has the power to decide its own fate – and this is what we must do. The Parliament of Moldova must remain in the hands of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, not fall into the hands of Kremlin.

Today Moldova is on the right path. We have peace. We strengthen democracy. We have institutions that are finally beginning to work for the people. We have friends. We have support. And we have a clear objective: Moldova in the European Union. The European Union means guaranteeing our sovereignty because it respects our right to destiny, dignity and helps us maintain peace.

Dear citizens, I conclude with a simple thought: if today we live in a free country, it is thanks to those who, 35 years ago, did not remain silent. They were not afraid. They did not back down. And we do not have the right to back down. This autumn our very sovereignty is at stake, making today's celebration of 35 years since the signing of the Declaration of Sovereignty all the more symbolic.

We have the duty to move forward – with our heads held high, with honest work, with a clear voice. To support honest people, true patriots of this country. And to choose a future in which life is valued, not mocked.

We have the duty to carry forward our common aspiration: a sovereign, fair, and free Moldova – at home, in the European Union. Thank you.