“These two great female figures, Monika Maron and Alice Schwarzer, have shaped German political culture. Maron starting back in the GDR, and since reunification daily committed to German democracy. Unyielding against presumptions from both the right and the left. Her voice must be heard. Alice Schwarzer is the revolutionary of German women’s freedom. With her fight for women’s equality, she has repeatedly provoked the cultural and political scene for decades. She is an unwavering presence. An institution. Both women are European voices,” comments Frank A. Meyer, President of the Hans Ringier Foundation, on the choice of this year’s award winners.

In his laudatory speech, Dieter Nuhr paid tribute to the two award winners: “I am immensely proud to speak as the laudator for two such distinguished laureates. Monika Maron and Alice Schwarzer are women who have decision-makingly forged their own path throughout their lives, preferring to stand up for their own worldview even in the face of resistance, rather than swimming with the tide. For me personally, that is truly exemplary!”

The “European Prize for Political Culture” has been awarded by the Hans Ringier Foundation since 2007. It honors individuals who have rendered outstanding services to Europe’s political culture.

The award ceremony took place as part of the traditional “Dîner Républicain,” hosted annually by Frank A. Meyer at the Hotel “Castello del Sole” in Ascona.

About Ringier 
Ringier is a leading European media company headquartered in Switzerland with a history spanning more than 190 years. With around 5,500 employees, the group operates over 115 companies in 19 European and African countries. The Ringier portfolio comprises three main business areas: leading media brands, sports media platforms, and digital marketplaces. With a digital EBITDA share of 83 percent, Ringier is one of Europe’s leading media companies. The group remains majority family-owned to this day.