Wickert receives Winfried Prize: A life for Franco-German friendship

Wickert receives Winfried Prize: A life for Franco-German friendship

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Ulrich Wickert was awarded the Winfried Prize of the city of Fulda. Wickert, whom many know as "Mr. Tages issues", received this honor for his outstanding commitment to promote Franco-German friendship. The price is endowed with 10,000 euros and has been awarded to personalities since 2001 who are committed to human rights and international understanding. Fuldas Mayor Dr. In his speech, Heiko Wingenfeld emphasized that Wickert's decades of work as a journalist played an important role in the relationship between Germany and France.

In the laudation, François Delattre, the French ambassador in Germany, praised as a "extraordinary friend of France" and emphasized that Wickert was a formative element of German journalism. "He knows the French better than themselves," said Delattre. Wickert himself reflected on the importance of town twinning for Franco-German friendship. These are crucial so that real connections can develop between people.

background of the Winfried Prize

The Winfried Prize is reminiscent of St. Winfried Bonifatius, who is frozen in Fulda. He is considered the "first European of the early Middle Ages" and symbolizes the values that stand for peace and European connection. The price was made by the entrepreneur Dr. Heinz G. Waider launched, which was convinced by his own war experiences that wars can only be prevented by peaceful coexistence.

Wickert was awarded for his many years of work in the ARD studios in Paris and New York as well as for his role as a moderator of the ARD daily issues from 1991 to 2006. In addition to his journalistic career, he has published numerous books in which he deals with the relationships between Germany and France. The price committee emphasizes that Wickert has made valuable contributions not only as a journalist, but also as an author and moderator for a better understanding of both cultures.

The former award winners include well -known personalities such as the late Abbotprimas Prof. Dr. Notker Wolf, Prof. Norbert Lammert, President of the Bundestag, and Federal President of Joachim Gauck. The jury also praises Wickert's commitment to the rights of children, which he continues through the allocation of the Ulrich Wickert Foundation. These foundations promote so -called media makers, who work for the rights of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

The awarding of the Winfried Prize to Ulrich Wickert is more than a personal award; It reflects the constant endeavor to strengthen the relationship between Germany and France and to promote positive values of European cooperation. Wickert's commitment to this thing not only deserves great recognition as journalists, but also as a cultural mediator.

For more information about the documentation of this award ceremony and Wickert's role in the Franco-German dialogue, See the current reporting at www.fuldaerzeitung.de .