Constitution Day in Ukraine: History and Significance
On June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day.
This national holiday is enshrined in the Constitution itself and has been celebrated for the fourth consecutive year under wartime conditions due to the ongoing aggression from Russia, as reported by Ukrinform.
The Constitution was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on June 28, 1996, at 9:18 AM after an extensive session.
This document solidified the legal foundations of an independent Ukraine, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity, marking a significant step in ensuring human rights and enhancing the country's international standing.
The constitutional process began following the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty on July 16, 1990. By October, a Constitutional Commission was formed, which worked from 1991 to 1996 to develop drafts of the constitution.
Sharp debates arose concerning the distribution of power, state symbols, the status of the Russian language, and Crimea. Leftist forces leaned towards reducing presidential authority, while the right, uniting around the ruling party, advocated for a strong presidential system.
On the night of June 27-28, 1996, the Constitution was passed with the support of two-thirds of the deputies (315 votes). It established the foundations of presidential power, guaranteed private property rights, adopted new state symbols, and recognized Crimea as an autonomous republic.
The Constitution of Ukraine has been amended several times, but changes require significant support from the Verkhovna Rada. If amendments restrict human rights or threaten independence, the Constitution cannot be altered.
