A prominent German political prize will go to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, a spokesman said Sunday, in a move sharply criticised in the German press due to his rights record. The Quadriga Prize, bestowed on the anniversary of German reunification on October 3, is a private award that recognises “role models for enlightenment, dedication and the public good,” the Werkstatt Deutschland organisation said.
Its board of trustees is comprised of top officials from across the political spectrum, journalists and business executives. Previous winners include European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, former Czech president Vaclav Havel and Serbian President Boris Tadic.