PHOTO GALLERY // Members of Moldova's first parliament return to hall where they voted Declaration of Independence 35 years ago

Members of the first democratically elected Parliament of Moldova returned to the hall where, 35 years ago, they voted the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Moldova. During a solemn meeting, speeches were delivered and participants recalled the moments and people who marked the beginning of the independent state.

President Maia Sandu emphasized the courage of the deputies who had voted for independence and stressed the need to protect the country’s independence every day.

For his part, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu noted that, in the 35 years of independence, the mission of politicians had remained the same – to listen to the voice of the people.

Through his lens, photojournalist Mihai Vengher captured not only the official moments of the event, but also the emotions of those present. The faces of the deputies who, 35 years ago, voted the Declaration of Independence tell, perhaps more than any speech, about the emotion, responsibility and hope of those days.

We invite you to discover in images an important page in the history of the Republic of Moldova and the faces of the people who contributed to writing it.