Leafing through the pages of history. On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Pridnestrovian parliament, deputies of the first convocation Anna Volkova, Vladimir Rylyakov and Vyacheslav Zagryadsky shared their memories of the key moments of the formation of the PMR and the role of the people's representatives in these important events with the correspondent of the press service of the Supreme Council.
Unlike our neighbors, most of the inhabitants of Pridnestrovie did not dream of secession from the big state - the USSR. At the first stage, statehood was planned with only one purpose - to protect citizens from the wave of nationalism that came from Chisinau. Only when it became clear that Moscow had adopted a policy of non-interference did they start creating a state with all the necessary structures, including law enforcement agencies.
First stage: political strikes. The Pridnestrovians gave a clear signal to the authorities in Chisinau - we are not on the way with the nationalists. The leadership of Moldova did not meet halfway. On the contrary, the idea of abandoning Moldovan identity and unification with Romania was fostered.
The second stage: defending our rights through the work of deputies from Pridnestrovie in the parliament of the Moldavian SSR. The work efficiency was very low here.
The third stage: the creation of their own authorities. First it was necessary to enlist the support of the inhabitants of Pridnestrovie. A public organization, the United Council of Labor Collectives, was created. It led the struggle for Pridnestrovians’ rights.
Referendum. The word was in the air. Two questions remained to be resolved: who will conduct it and how. At the head of the work on holding the referendums was the coordinating council of the members of the OSTK, people who are not indifferent and active. Necessary documents and the historical experience of holding referendums were studied.
Referendums in the cities and regions of Pridnestrovie began to be held in December 1989. More than 95% of the population supported the creation of the PMSSR. The results made it clear: the people are for their republic, but within the USSR.
On June 2, 1990, the I Congress of Deputies of all levels of Pridnestrovie was held in Parkany. It adopted a declaration "On the socio-economic development of Pridnestrovie".
On June 23, 1990, in Chisinau, the Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted, which canceled the law of the Soviet Union "On the formation of the Moldavian SSR". Now the Pridnestrovians have no doubts. On September 2, 1990, at the II Congress of Deputies of all levels, the PMSSR was proclaimed.
At the II Congress, elections to the Provisional Supreme Council took place. It consisted of 50 people. The Council served as the legislative and executive branches of Government. 17 meetings were held, more than 60 laws and regulations necessary were adopted to organize the viability of the republic. The deputies of the Provisional Supreme Council resolved issues of material and technical supply of enterprises, distribution of food and goods to the population. They adopted a resolution "On the formation of a state university" and a law "On elections of people's deputies of the PMSSR".
The first parliamentary elections in Pridnestrovie, despite political resistance, were held on November 22-25, 1990. Most of the candidates received the status of deputies. On November 29, the first meeting was held. This date went down in history as the day of the formation of the legislature of our state. The Parliament was bicameral: the Council of the Republic and the Council of Nationalities. Six commissions and eight committees were formed, the constitutional commission began drafting the constitution of the young state.
To take the deputy chair at that time meant not only to assume great responsibility, but also to endanger both your own safety and your family members. In Moldova criminal cases were initiated against the Pridnestrovian parliamentarians. In the first years, the deputies had to work under conditions of constant political pressure and threats.
The deputies of the first convocation of the Supreme Council formed the first government, adopted the first Pridnestrovian budget. It laid the foundation for the republic's financial independence.
The Supreme Council of the 1st convocation approved the coat of arms and flag of the state. On September 2, 1991, the IV Congress of Deputies of all levels adopted the first republican Constitution.
When the threat of military aggression from Moldova became obvious, on September 6, 1991, the Supreme Council of the PMSSR decided to create the Republican Guard - the prototype of the current Armed Forces of the PMR.
The hardest thing is to be the first. There were 64 people. There was one faith for all: in righteousness, in the state that was built in the most difficult conditions, and in the people who live on the Pridnestrovian land.