Latvia celebrates Independence Day

The Independence Day of the Republic of Latvia is the national holiday of Latvia, celebrated annually on May 4.

On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, and also determined a transitional period for achieving real independence.

For the adoption of the Declaration on the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, 2/3 of the votes of the number of deputies or 134 votes were required.

With 138 votes in favor, 0 against (deputies who did not support the declaration did not vote) and 1 abstained, the Supreme Council adopted the Declaration.

Already from May 2, supporters of independence gathered near the Supreme Council building (now the Seimas building) in Riga and called for the declaration of independence of Latvia. After a positive vote on May 4, deputies on Jekaba Street were greeted with applause.

Latvia declared its independence in 1918. Two years later, the independence of the Republic of Latvia gained international recognition. In 1940, the Soviet Union invaded Latvia and annexed it, because In accordance with the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Latvia was in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union. The Republic of Latvia lost sovereignty and was renamed the Latvian SSR.