Astronauts from the ISS congratulated Russians on Constitution Day

Russian cosmonauts from the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, December 12, congratulated their compatriots on the Constitution Day of the Russian Federation. They noted that it is the key element uniting Russians into a single nation.

"Dear compatriots, friends! We, Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexei Ovchinin, Ivan Wagner and Alexander Gorbunov, congratulate you from aboard the ISS on Constitution Day!" - Ovchinin said in a video published by the corporation's press service.

He noted that the document contains the legislative basis for the existence of Russia, and respectful attitude to it and strict observance of all the norms laid down by the Constitution is the sacred duty of every citizen.

Gorbunov emphasized that strict observance of constitutional principles and norms is the key to Russia's successful development.

According to him, the present generations are obliged to pass on respect and careful attitude to it to the next ones, to instill traditional values and love for their country in young citizens.

Every year on December 12, Russia celebrates the holiday of the main legal act of the country - Constitution Day. In 2024, the celebration falls on Thursday. Until 2004, it gave Russians an additional day off. However, now the celebration is not considered a non-working day.

The modern Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted following a nationwide referendum on December 12, 1993. The document was developed for more than three years, during which time about 20 variants of the basic law were created. The final version was approved at the Constitutional Meeting in June 1993. In 2023, the Constitution of Russia will be 30 years old. Over the past 90 years, five basic laws have been adopted in the country.

To date, the Constitution is the main legal act of the state. It is valid in all subjects of the country and has supreme legal force. Thus, no regional law can contradict the Constitution. The document enshrines the basic rights and duties of citizens, the structure of government bodies, the form of state structure of the country, the procedure for appointing the president and other important legal aspects.