Javier Cremades has received the Español Universal 2024 award and has become the first jurist to receive the Fundación Independiente highest recognition for his outstanding contributions to the international promotion of Spain and the Spanish legal profession.
Javier Cremades is the first Spaniard to head the World Jurist Association, a position in which he has played a decisive role in promoting the rule of law worldwide. In addition, he has actively led the organization of events to this end, such as the World Law Congress, consolidating Spain’s position as an international benchmark in the field of law. These events, by bringing together experts from all over the world, constitute fundamental opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, the strengthening of international cooperation and the promotion of democratic values and the rule of law. In addition, it has created the World Law Foundation, making Spain the center of the international presence of members of the highest courts of the five continents, as well as prosecutors, academics, lawyers and businessmen of the highest international level.
The presentation of the Español Universal 2024 award took place in a ceremony in which Javier Cremades expressed his gratitude for this recognition. He praised the dignity of people, which is only fully guaranteed in a state governed by the rule of law. He also mentioned the abuse of power and pointed out that power is only legitimate if it is exercised subject to a constitution and its laws, which must be anthropocentric. He dedicated his speech to placing people at the center of everything and expressed his satisfaction for having been able to connect at this stage of his life with this work to give thanks in a new era of consciousness.
For his part, Aldo Olcese, president of the Fundación Independiente, said that “the world of law is essential to everything, and the defense of the rule of law has become fundamental, even in the most advanced countries, and in a world that seems increasingly oriented towards confrontation, conciliation, mediation, pacts, arbitration and agreement must be promoted and defended”. And he acknowledged that “all these words are especially linked to the world of law that our award winner represents so wisely and effectively. Javier, also perfectly embodies the essential virtues that allow the achievement of peace and the preservation of human rights, and it is only fair to recognize this”. He also emphasized that “he has always been on the side of the dignity of the person, fighting against the abuse of power, always working for the freedom and peace of the Spanish people and of the entire international community”.
The laudatio was given by Stephen Harbarth, President of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany, who praised the figure of Javier Cremades. Also present at the event was Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, who said it was a privilege to meet Cremades, whom he expects to meet in Albania for the World Law Congress in 2027, an event that, as he acknowledged, makes him feel part of a family of democratic countries.
During the ceremony, Felipe González, Prime Minister of Spain (1982-1996) and also recognized as a Español Universal, also took part in the ceremony, pointing out that Javier Cremades “is a universal globetrotter for good causes”. He congratulated the award winner and said that “at this moment in history, presiding over a world association of jurists is the most complex task for the defense of the values of the rule of law and democratic pluralism”.
Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Malaga, endorsed González’s words, adding that this award is an incentive to continue doing things under the premise of good governance. He also recognized the leadership capacity of the award winner and expressed his wish that he would continue to do so much good for so many people.
The speeches were closed by Cándido Conde-Pumpido, president of the Constitutional Court, who praised the prestige of the World Jurist Association and expressed his pride because he believes that this is the moment for the WJA to stand out in what is its objective: to place the rule of law above force, because, he said, this is when we most need the work of the association presided by Javier Cremades.
