The ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the Constitution of the RT was held at the GSCH named after S. Saidashev

(KZN.RU, October 27). The adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Tatarstan was a step aimed at protecting and regulating the social and economic rights of the Tatarstan people. Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, announced this at a solemn event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Tatarstan. The ceremony was held in Kazan in the GSCH named after S. Saidashev.

Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Councilor of the RT, Alexey Pesoshin, the prime minister of the RT, Farid Mukhametshin, the chairman of the State Council of the RT, Asgat Safarov, the head of the Presidential Administration of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, and others took part in the event.

An exhibition of historical documents and photographs, reflecting the main events and features of the socio-political development of Tatarstan in the early 90s, was organized in the foyer of the concert hall.

In his speech, Rustam Minnikhanov marked that forming the framework of the republic’s statehood, the Constitution of Tatarstan promotes the preservation and development of historical, national, and spiritual traditions, cultures, and languages, ensuring civil peace and interethnic harmony. In addition, the basic law creates conditions for strengthening democracy, socio-economic development of the republic, preserving the historically formed unity of the peoples of the Russian Federation on the principles of federalism.

Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that the Constitution of Tatarstan was born in a complex historical situation. “There was a need to legislatively consolidate the serious changes that have taken place in the economic and political structure of society. Unfortunately, the activities of the highest state bodies of the country in the early 1990s were largely hampered by growing contradictions between its branches and various groups of influence”, said the President. “In these conditions, in the absence of a new Russian Constitution, some federal subjects, including our republic, have shown legislative initiative. First of all, it was a step, aimed at protecting and regulating the social and economic rights of the Tatarstan people”.

According to him, the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic was preceded by a large preparatory work. The Constitutional Commission, established by the decision of the parliament, operated for more than two years. The best forces of the republic and leading specialists of the country were attracted to the work on the text: prominent scientists, lawyers, public figures, representatives of state power. The experience of constitutional construction, world models, and practices were studied.

Rustam Minnikhanov drew attention to the fact that the main approaches to the content of the Constitution of Tatarstan were the creation of legal guarantees of civil and interethnic peace and harmony, the desire to create a legislative act of direct action, which in many respects were deprived of the previous Constitution of 1926, 1937, and 1978.

“The fundamental thesis was that this Constitution expresses the will of the multinational people of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Tatar people”, added the President of the RT.

The provision of the Constitution on giving state status to the Tatar and Russian languages, on which the overwhelming majority of Tatarstan people speak, was reflecting the public consensus. “The discussions that are taking place today again show the sensitivity of this topic. We must admit that during these decades, certain problems have accumulated in national education along with successes. I am convinced that we will come to an optimal solution to the emerging issues of studying and using state and native languages in accordance with constitutional norms”, said Rustam Minnikhanov.

New approaches to the improvement of the legal basis for statehood were formed with the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 1993, said the President of the RT.

“For centuries, Russia has developed as a state with strong power, which unites space and people. The overwhelming majority of Russians support the all-round strengthening of the country's power and the growth of its international authority. This strategic line is firmly connected in the public consciousness with the personality and deeds of our national leader Vladimir Putin”, marked Rustam Minnikhanov.

He also noted that the Republic of Tatarstan, which occupies leading positions on socio-economic indicators, also makes a significant contribution to the development of the Russian Federation. “Also, we fully feel the confidence of the country's leadership, support of our initiatives and projects”, the President of Tatarstan said.

Rustam Minnikhanov pointed out that, taking into account new challenges and social development, certain amendments are made to the constitutional norms. But the fundamental principles of the republican Constitution remain unchanged.

“To know and to respect the Constitution, to act under the Constitution is not only a matter for the authorities but for all Tatarstan citizens and institutions of civil society. This is the guarantee of the development and prosperity of our native republic and our entire Fatherland”, the press service of the President of the RT cites the Rustam Minnikhanov's concluding words.