The Speech at the Meeting Attended by the People From Beijing’s All Walks of Life to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Promulgation and Implementation of the Current Constitution

Speech delivered by Xi Jinping on December 4, 2012 at the assembly to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the promulgation and putting in force of the current Constitution. This speech was given to various circles from all walks of life and intellectuals of the Beijing.

Contained in Selection and Compilation of Important Documents since the 18th National Congress (Vol. I). The “Speech” profoundly reviewed the development of the constitutional system in the past 60 years since the founding of New China. The “Speech” pointed out that “ When we go further back, and trace back the development process of our country’s constitutional system in the sixty years since the establishment of the New China, we can clearly see that the Constitution, the prospects of the country and the fate of the people are closely connected. Safeguarding the authority of the Constitution means safeguarding the authority of the common will of the Party and the people. Defending the dignity of the Constitution means defending the dignity of the common will of the Party and the people. Guaranteeing the implementation of the Constitution means guaranteeing the realization of the fundamental interests of the people. As long as we realistically respect and effectively implement the Constitution, will it be guaranteed that the people are masters of their own affairs, and will it be possible for the cause of the Party and the country to develop smoothly. Conversely, if the Constitution is ignored, weakened or even destroyed, it is impossible to guarantee the people’s rights and liberties, and the cause of the Party and the country will meet with setbacks. These precious enlightenments have been obtained through a long time of practice, and must be doubly cherished. We must even more consciously abide by the principles of the Constitution, carry forward the spirit of the Constitution, and implement the mission of the Constitution.

We must unwaveringly persist in grasping the work to implement the Constitution, and raise the complete implementation of the Constitution to a new level. In order to implement the Constitution well and raise it to a new level, we must do the following: Firstly, persist in the correct political orientation, unwaveringly persist in marching the political development path of Socialism with Chinese characteristics. Secondly, implement the basic strategy of ruling the country according to the law, and accelerate the construction of a Socialist rule of law country. Thirdly, persist in the dominant status of the people, realistically guarantee that the people enjoy rights and carry out their obligations.

Fourthly, persist in the leadership of the Party, pay even more attention to improving the Party’s leadership methods and governance methods. The “Speech” emphasizes that the Constitution is the basic law of the country, it is the general charter to administer state affairs and ensure national security, it has the highest legal position, legal authority and legal effect, it has a fundamental nature, comprehensive nature, stable nature and long-term nature.

Ruling the country according to the law is the basic strategy of the Party’s leading the people in governing the country, the rule of law is the basic method to rule the country according to the law, and more attention must be paid to giving full rein to the important role of the rule of law in governing the country and managing society, completely move ruling the country according to the law forward and accelerate the construction of a Socialist rule of law country. To realize this objective, we should completely implement the Constitution. The “Speech” also put forward specific requirements for the full implementation of the Constitution.