The gold medal of the city of Barcelona has been awarded posthumously to Lluís Permanyer, acknowledging his deep connection with the Catalan capital as a chronicler. The award highlights his work and legacy in understanding the evolution and shaping of contemporary Barcelona.
Lluís Permanyer (1939-2025) authored over eighty books about the city and worked with media outlets such as Destino and La Vanguardia. He was also involved in the publishing sector and received several prestigious awards, including the National Journalism Award of Catalonia, the Luca de Tena Prize, and the City of Barcelona Journalism Award.
In addition to Permanyer, the Gold Medal for Civic Merit has been awarded to Jesús María Sánchez, Pilar Malla, and Ramon Agenjo for their significant contributions to the city.
Honourees
Jesús María Sánchez (born 1956) has been recognised for his efforts in enhancing Barcelona's reputation as a legal capital. An expert in civil, financial, and consumer law, Sánchez has served as the dean of the Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Barcelona (ICAB). He has been instrumental in advocating for the law on multiple recidivism and has led calls for more judges, prosecutors, and officials in Barcelona.
Pilar Malla (1931 - 2026), from el Pont d'Armentera, has been honoured for her commitment to social rights, citizen advocacy, and the fight against inequality. A teacher and social worker, Malla was the first ombudsperson for grievances in Barcelona and served as director of Càritas Diocesana de Barcelona, a member of the Catalan Parliament, and head of Social Services for the Generalitat.
Ramon Agenjo (born 1957) receives recognition for his contributions to the international projection, economic development, and cultural, gastronomic, and sports promotion of the city. Associated with the Grupo Damm, Agenjo has served as president of Barcelona Global and held positions in the Palau de la Música Catalana, the Conservatori del Liceu, the MACBA Foundation, and the Princess Girona Foundation.
