Lithuanian MPs propose replacing May 1 holiday with Constitution of 3 May

  • 2022-05-02
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – A group of Lithuanian lawmakers have proposed replacing the existing May 1 holiday held to mark the Labor Day with a holiday on May 3 when the anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May and Mutual Pledge of the Commonwealth of the Two Nations is marked.

The change was proposed by a group of lawmakers representing the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, including Emanuelis Zingeris, Zygimantas Pavilionis, Valdas Rakutis, Laurynas Kasciunas, Paule Kuzmickiene, as well as the Freedom Party's Vytautas Raskevicius.

The initiators point out that "the historic Constitution of the Two Nations and the first written constitution in Europe is a source of pride for Lithuania and Poland".

Signed on May 3, 1791, the Constitution of 3 May is the first written constitution in Europe and the second written constitution in the world, importantly, declaring respect for human rights.