Saeima of the Republic of Latvia

In preparation for the 20^th anniversary of de facto restoration of Latvia’s independence, the Saeima invites children and youths to take part in a contest of drawings and to design a logo symbolising this significant event. On 21 August 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopted the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia, which restored the de facto independence of Latvia and clearly marked the return of Latvia into the family of Western European countries.

“We invite students from secondary and higher education institutions – children and youths who 20 years ago were not yet born or were small children – to participate in a drawing contest to design a logo for the 21 August celebration. Because 21 August 1991 is an extremely significant date in our history we want the younger generation to express through their drawings their viewpoint on the restoration of independence. We should always remember that 21 August 1991 was a turning point in our history of the 50-year-long fight against the occupation; it was a crucial moment in restoring our independence. This date marked our return to the Western community from which we were forcibly separated,” emphasised Speaker Āboltiņa.

Students from secondary and higher education institutions who are under the age of 25 years are invited to participate in the contest by submitting a logo design, along with a relevant description. Authors of the best designs will receive a monetary prize.

Applications for the contest will be accepted until the end of April. Terms and conditions of the contest can be found on the Saeima website at www.saeima.lv.

Drawings will be assessed in two stages. During the first assessment stage, the jury will choose not more than the five best drawings. Drawings eligible for the second assessment stage will be displayed at the main building of the Saeima on Museum Night on 14 May, when all visitors will have a chance to vote for their favourite logos in the Voting Room.

The logo will be used in informative materials, on the website devoted to this anniversary and at ceremonial events devoted to this occasion.

21 August 1991 is a day that brought about the actual independence of Latvia and marked the road for restoration of the state. By adopting the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia, the people’s representatives elected to the Supreme Council chose to restore the independence of the Republic of Latvia instead of founding a new state or choosing some other option for shaping the statehood of the Republic of Latvia. This Law renewed the effect of the Satversme (Constitution) adopted in 1922 and its intrinsic values of a Western democratic state that is governed by law. Adoption of the Constitutional Law annulled the effect of all laws of the USSR in Latvia. This Law served as a reference point for other countries that recognised the restoration of Latvia’s independence.

Saeima Press Service