24 October 2024
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group is delighted that its candidates, María Corina Machado, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, have won the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
By presenting this award, the European Parliaments pays tribute to all Venezuelans inside and outside the country who are fighting for the restoration of freedom and democracy.
Following the announcement by Parliament President Roberta Metsola after the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision,
ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said:
“The European Parliament is paying tribute to the peaceful but tenacious and democratic Venezuelan opposition, which has been fighting for freedom for years. It is a sign of support for all the people who have been living under oppressive conditions for many years. We are pleased that we Europeans are sending them this message of solidarity and the love of freedom.”
ECR Co-Chairman Joachim Brudziński said:
“By awarding this prize, the European Parliament is taking a strong stand against tyranny and sending a message of hope to the people of Venezuela. It’s a signal that we are not indifferent when a despot commits atrocities, rigs elections, silences the opposition, imprisons citizens and even collaborates with criminals to harass and oppress his own people.”