June 7, 2006
President Chávez awarded by Spanish magazine 'Cambio 16'

(Venezuelan Embassy to Spain/Ministry of Communication and Information) - "At the award ceremony, they highlighted the reduction of poverty and the efforts for integration in Latin America. The Spanish magazine 'Cambio 16' played an important role in Spain's political transition from Franco's dictatorship to democracy.

The Spanish magazine 'Cambio 16' granted President Hugo Chávez the 2005 International Cambio Award in recognition of 'his passionate fight against poverty and his active social policy.'

The award was received by Venezuelan Ambassador to Spain, Arévalo Méndez Romero, on June 7 at the Eslava Theater, Madrid. Outstanding people in the Spanish society were also awarded.

The 2005 Cambio Award for International Personality granted to President Chávez highlights the social missions that 'try to alleviate the poor with health and education.' Also, it stresses the reduction of poverty and Chávez's 'efforts for the integration in Latin America.'

Likewise, at the award ceremony, it was mentioned that 'he is a person that speaks clear and loud because - come hell or high water - he fights for his ideals.' 'He took office in 1998 thanks to an unprecedented popular support. He was slapped on the back by his people in the August 2004 recall referendum and the December 2005 legislative elections.'

In its 2004 edition, the Cambio Award for 'Man of the Year' was given to Spain's President, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Cambio 16 Magazine's editorial board and editorial staff are in charge to choose the prize winners.

In 2005, Artist Women against Gender Violence Movement, the Equality Law and the Cameroonian soccer player of the Barcelona Football Club, Samuel Eto'o (thanks to his fight against terrorism), were awarded for 'Human Values and Solidarity.'

Cambio 16 Magazine played an important role in the political transition from Franco's dictatorship to democracy. It was founded on September 22, 1971 as a weekly magazine. It covers a wide range of information, but it then focused on the politics of that period. It is very recognized for its plurality and truthfulness. It belongs to the EIG Communication Group, which currently puts forth a multimedia project including the edition of magazines, the production of TV programs and the publication of books and web pages in the Internet".