The Congress of People's Deputies of the RSFSR passed the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the RSFSR on June 12, 1990. The Supreme Council of Russia made it the Day of Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1992. It became the Day of Russia, according to amendments to the Labour Code passed on February 1, 2002.
Socials polls of the Levada Center say that 50% of the population understand what the holiday of June 12 is about. 30% still believe that it is the Independence Day, 7% are unaware that it is a holiday.
27% of Russians have no idea how to spend the day, 13% will spend it with the family. Few people decided to have days off on Thursday and Friday to extend the holiday. 63% do not have days off.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending the congress of the Russian People's Front to discuss transformation of the front into an organizaion with a charter. Olga Batalina, Deputy Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia Party, Nadezhda Korneyeva, deputy head of the Patriots of Russia, and Alexey Juravlev, head of the Motherland Party, are the founders of the movement. Three co-chairs of the headquarters were elected. Over 1,500 people are taking part in the congress.
Putin will also award scientists and artists today.
