Press Release from the City of Geneva, March 6, 2025
The “Genève reconnaissante” Medal will be awarded to cartoonist Chappatte on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM during a ceremony at the Palais Anna and Jean-Gabriel Eynard. The medal will be presented by the Mayor of Geneva, Ms. Christina Kitsos, on behalf of the city authorities.
Through this award, the Administrative Council wishes to pay tribute to the tireless commitment of this fervent defender of freedom of expression and the press. Recognized as a pioneer of graphic journalism, Chappatte is an internationally renowned cartoonist, known for his sharp and insightful perspective. Having received numerous prestigious awards and collaborated with major press outlets in several countries, he is today one of the most distinguished ambassadors of the democratic values cherished by the City of Geneva.
The Administrative Council wishes to acknowledge Chappatte’s prolific career and his dedication to press freedom, particularly through the Freedom Cartoonists Foundation, an initiative that defends freedom of expression through editorial cartooning and recognizes the talent and courage of cartoonists threatened for their work. His illustrated reports—covering topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the death penalty, the situation in the Middle East, as well as issues in Africa and Central America—have helped shed light on major social issues and crises in a unique format that reaches a broad audience.
In an increasingly concerning international context, where new threats to freedom of expression and human rights emerge daily, the Administrative Council seeks to honor one of its most distinguished representatives. By doing so, it underscores the role of press cartoons as a tool for democracy and social cohesion and reaffirms its support for this art form, which is increasingly under threat and censorship.
Mayor of Geneva, Christina Kitsos, emphasizes that “by awarding the ‘Genève reconnaissante’ Medal to Patrick Chappatte, the City is not only honoring talent but also celebrating commitment and resilience. Being a press cartoonist means taking the risk of offending, challenging, provoking thought, and shifting perspectives. It is also, and above all, about offering citizens a sharp and critical gaze that exposes absurdities and highlights abuses of power. In this way, editorial cartoons serve as a true antidote to the crisis of democracy.”