Atlas Network mourns the loss of one of the most important leaders in the freedom movement in the Ibero-American world—Carlos Alberto Montaner, who passed away on June 30 in his home city of Madrid, Spain. Montaner, born in Cuba, was able to flee his country after the onset of the Castro dictatorship. He eventually became one of the most compelling champions of freedom and liberal democracy throughout Latin America and in his newfound home in Spain. As a widely published syndicated columnist, his op-eds were known for their clarity of thought and a mix of wit and irony. His works served as inspiration to students and emerging thought leaders who sought to follow in his footsteps.
Montaner was often asked if he would return to Cuba if the current dictatorship fell. His answer was immediate: "The next day." Sadly, despite his heroic efforts, his lifelong wish did not materialize. His last column, appropriately entitled Mi última columna, shares the details of his severe health challenges with a rare form of Parkinson's disease, and a brief account of his remarkable journey in the world of journalism. He ends by citing the philosopher Julián Marías, "Hice lo que pude,”—I did what I could.
Carlos Alberto Montaner was an honoree at Atlas Network's Freedom Dinner, held in Miami, in December 2021. He was a loyal and longtime friend of Atlas Network and of the vast majority of its partners in the Ibero-American region. In the past two years, he was chair of the jury of the Atlas Network-Cátedra Vargas Llosa Young Journalism Prize, an initiative that became near and dear to his heart from its inception.
His passing occurred the same day as the 16th edition of the Foro Atlántico in Madrid, the annual event organized by Mario Vargas Llosa's Fundación Internacional para la Libertad and co-sponsored by Atlas Network. Carlos Alberto Montaner was a close friend of both Mario Vargas Llosa and his son, Álvaro Vargas Llosa. At this gathering of world-renowned leaders, many gave moving words of remembrance and tribute to his life and legacy.
In a posthumous tribute to honor his friendship and influence in the freedom movement, Atlas Network and Cátedra Vargas Llosa have renamed their joint annual journalism prize the Carlos Alberto Montaner Young Journalism Prize.
Carlos Alberto is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Linda Montaner, his two children, Gina and Carlos, and grandchildren Paola, Gabriela, and Claudia.
We thank Carlos Alberto Montaner for his courage, conviction, and clarity in making the world a better place—and for sharing with all of us a shining example of why engaging the freedom movement is so vitally important for modern society. May he rest in eternal peace.