Bush-Thatcher Award for Freedom presented to the People of Venezuela
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Democracy Union (IDU) is honoured to present the 2024 Bush-Thatcher Award for Freedom to the people of Venezuela, represented by Maria Corina Machado and Delsa Solórzano, two courageous leaders of Venezuela’s democratic opposition. The award was presented at the IDU Forum in Washington, D.C., in recognition of their unwavering fight for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Venezuela.
Since the Venezuelan presidential elections in July 2024, Machado, President of Vente Venezuela, and Solórzano, President of Encuentro Ciudadano, have bravely opposed Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime, exposing widespread election fraud and defending the democratic aspirations of their people. Despite relentless crackdowns on civil liberties, these exceptional women have emerged as beacons of hope, guiding the Venezuelan people in their tireless pursuit of freedom and justice.
The Bush-Thatcher Award for Freedom honours those who embody the principles of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, two steadfast champions of freedom and democracy.
President George H.W. Bush once said:
“The day will come when the principles of freedom and democracy will prevail everywhere, because they are right, and they are just.”
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher echoed this belief, stating:
“Watch your thoughts, for they will make your actions; watch your actions, for they will make your character; watch your character, it will determine your destiny.” This is the essence of democracy – the individual making choices for the future.
The IDU commends Maria Corina Machado and Delsa Solórzano for their unshakable commitment to these principles and their relentless pursuit of a better future for the Venezuelan people. Their leadership stands as a powerful reminder of democracy’s enduring promise and its capacity to overcome even the most oppressive regimes.