Establishment of the Mário Soares Freedom and Democracy Prize

The Assembly of the Republic has established the Mário Soares Award for Freedom and Democracy (Resolution no. 5/2025 of 14 January).

Approved unanimously, the Award aims to recognise informative, educational or pedagogical works centred on the values defended and practised by Mário Soares, which promote the formation of public opinion on the importance of free and independent thought and which contribute to a fairer, more democratic and pluralistic society.

Aimed at national or foreign citizens and NGOs, the award is worth €25,000. It will be granted annually on 7 December, the day of Mário Soares' birth.

The Jury will work with the Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees Committee and will be made up of one MP from each Parliamentary Group, representatives of the Academy, the Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation or other organisations.