December 12 – Constitution Day of the Russian Federation

Every year on December 12, Constitution Day is celebrated in the Russian Federation. This year the Constitution of the Russian Federation turns 31 years old, and on this occasion we congratulate our friendly Russian people and wish the Russian Federation peace, prosperity, development and every possible progress for the benefit of both the Russian people and humanity.

As you know, the Constitution is the basic law of the state, defining its legal, political and social structure and forming the basis of the entire legal system of the country.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993, when the situation in the country after the collapse of the USSR was extremely difficult and complicated! No one can say that the content of this Constitution was the most ideal and that it fully met the interests of the Russian people and Russia itself. However, it was adopted after a referendum on December 12, 1993, because this new country, which became the legal successor of the USSR, had to move forward, stabilize, and then develop. Only in this way and with the help of the Constitution could the then leadership save both the Fatherland and the people from collapse and vital destruction. It was very important for the country to survive, and for people to quickly adapt to new realities and survive in difficult living conditions, in an unprecedented system and a completely new environment in all respects.

We understand that at that time Russia was under the enormous economic, legal and political influence of the West, and especially the United States. They, like predatory hyenas, rushed to take advantage of the situation. Thus, a number of articles of the 1993 Constitution, as well as a number of reforms, served the interests of the West. But there has always been hope and will that at the right time Russia will be able to correct this injustice.

Yes! The 1993 Constitution was the result of a compromise between the need for reform and the political reality of the time. However, in the context of the instability of the 1990s, a number of provisions of the Constitution led to economic and social unrest. With the official inauguration of Vladimir Putin as President of the Russian Federation on May 7, 2000, the situation began to change for the better, and then some of these unfair provisions were gradually corrected. The most important and key amendments were adopted in 2020 following a popular vote, which made it possible to strengthen the sovereignty and social orientation of the state, the identity of the people, as well as improve the system of public administration.

The amendments, which greatly influenced the domestic and foreign policy of the country, as well as the lives of its citizens, touched upon a wide range of issues, the most important of which are the following:

– Sovereignty and international law.

– The priority of the Constitution of the Russian Federation over international law has been established.

– The strengthening of national legislation and the protection of the Russian legal system from interference by international institutions marked Russia’s independence from external pressure and strengthened its sovereignty in the international arena.

With such an international law depending on the hegemony of the United States and the Anglo-Saxons and based on their interests, this is considered not just, but a deprivation of the sovereignty of other states!

– Protection of territorial integrity.

The concept of banning actions aimed at alienating the territories of the Russian Federation is being introduced, and a tough position is being established on the issues of Crimea, the Kuril Islands and other territories, which emphasizes the immutability of Russia’s borders.

— Traditional values.

Provisions are introduced aimed at protecting historical memory, traditional spiritual and moral values, as well as marriage as a union of a man and a woman. This strengthens national identity and promotes a development model based on traditional values.

– Support of compatriots abroad.

The State undertakes obligations to protect the rights of compatriots outside the Russian Federation, and ties between Russians and Russian-speaking populations in other countries are being strengthened.

– Social guarantees.

The social orientation of the State and the trust of citizens in the authorities are being strengthened by ensuring their fundamental rights. In addition, the model of the welfare state is emphasized as part of the Russian identity.

– The Russian people.

The provision is introduced that the Russian people are considered as the shaper of the state. Russian Russian is a multinational state, but special attention is paid to the special role of Russian culture and the Russian language.

These amendments are aimed at:

Strengthen the sovereignty of the country and protect its interests.

Strengthen the social and traditional foundations of the State.

To create conditions for a stable political course within the country and to strengthen Russia’s influence in the international arena.

Mikis Filaniotis

Head of the international Russophile Movement of Cyprus