Spanish PM Sanchez receives Athens democracy award
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has received the 2026 Athens Democracy Award in recognition of his contribution to defending human rights and democratic institutions, as well as his commitment to social justice and international solidarity.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas presented the award to Sanchez during a meeting Tuesday at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Madrid. The ceremony was presented in Athens on Wednesday at the Stoa of Attalos as part of the Athens Democracy Forum 2026.
Political courage highlighted
Doukas, a member of the socialist PASOK party, praised Sanchez’s political courage and said the award recognized the willingness to defend democratic principles in the face of pressure and political costs.
“Political courage isn’t about defending a principle when everyone agrees with you. It’s about defending it when there are pressures, threats, and costs,” Doukas said.
Sanchez accepts award with humility
In a recorded message shown during the Athens ceremony, Sanchez said he accepted the award with “immense gratitude and deep humility.”
He pointed to misinformation, geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty as challenges testing public trust and the resilience of democratic institutions.
“Democracy becomes stronger when people participate, when their rights are protected, and when governments listen to citizens and serve them,” Sanchez said.
The Spanish prime minister said he viewed the award not as a personal honor but as recognition for people who contribute to strengthening democracy every day.
“They keep the flame burning,” he said.
Source:AMNA
