At an official ceremony in Portugal, the MEP was honored with the prestigious "Liberal of the Year" award. The award is given to Ilhan Kyuchuk for his efforts in strengthening liberalism in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, but also for his dedication to stand up and defend democracy in difficult times, even when these difficulties come from within, namely the turmoil in his party in Bulgaria.
„I dedicate this award to all fighters for freedom and democracy! Today, I take this award not as an individual, but as part of something much bigger, which is all of us standing on the right side of history! I share this prize with anyone who believes in the transformative power of democracy, even when it is difficult. To all those who raised their voices against the repressions and do not put up with them to this day! To those with whom we defend freedom side by side! And I know that we will conquer it - with the power that they cannot take away from us - togetherness! We have the responsibility to build a country together where democracy is not just a word we use, but a reality we live!“, Ilhan Kyuchuk declared.
The president of the European Liberal Forum was categorical that the European liberal community highly appreciates the strong leadership and position of Kyuchuk, upholding liberal values and defending Bulgarian democracy in response to autocratic leadership, growing populism and attempts to fuel political fragmentation.
„Ilhan had the strength to do what is really difficult in politics - to face the mistakes made and fight to improve collective decision-making and to uphold democratic principles and liberal values in his party, with the hope for Bulgaria without dependencies.“, added Jan-Christoph Oyten.