Moldova's President becomes 2025 Reinhard Mohn laureate

Chisinau, Dec 2. /MOLDPRES/- President Maia Sandu has been awarded 2025 Reinhard Mohn Prize, granted by Bertelsmann Foundation every two years, for exemplary commitment to the defense and promotion of democracy.

According to the presidential press service, Maia Sandu was recognized for her courage and determination to uphold democratic values in the face of complex external challenges. The prize is endowed with €100,000, which the Head of State decided to donate. The bulk of the money will be donated to support development projects in the President's home village of Risipeni, Fălești district.

"This award is a recognition of the courage of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who have shown that they want and fought for genuine democracy. It is a validation of our common efforts for freedom, fairness and a society built on European values. Moldova has shown that democracy can endure even in the most difficult circumstances," said Maia Sandu.

Reinhard Mohn Prize established by the Bertelsmann Foundation is awarded every two years in memory of founder Reinhard Mohn (1921-2009) to recognize individuals who make outstanding contributions to solving contemporary social and political challenges. Previous laureates include: former German President Joachim Gauck, former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.