The Diplomat
The FAES Foundation Board of Trustees yesterday awarded its X Prize for Freedom to the “President in charge of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó” at the proposal of its holder, former Chief Executive José María Aznar.
The award comes at a time when the EU is debating the status of the opposition leader following the inauguration of the new National Assembly and, according to a statement by FAES, the prize is awarded “for giving prestige to Venezuela’s democratic cause and for arousing international solidarity with it”.
The Foundation also recognises Guaidó’s “resistance and respect for the institutions”.
Aznar personally communicated the award to Guaidó, who “has expressed his gratitude” and said he “feels very honoured”, according to FAES.
The foundation explained that a date has not yet been set for the award ceremony, which seeks to recognise the international personalities who have most distinguished themselves in the promotion and defence of democracy and freedom.
Among those who have received the prize are King Emeritus Juan Carlos, the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the writer and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa.
