EL UNIVERSAL caricaturist Angel Boligán wins international award for democracy-themed cartoon

Angel Boligán, a distinguished caricaturist for EL UNIVERSAL, has achieved international acclaim by securing first place at the 19th International Caricature and Cartoon Contest in Vianden, Luxembourg. His winning piece, "La voluntad del pueblo" (The Will of the People), masterfully captures the essence of democracy, a theme Boligán describes as both ancient and perpetually relevant.

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Los gobiernos interpretan la democracia a su parecer, creen tener la razón absoluta y mi cartón es un guiño hacia países donde está sucediendo. En mi dibujo utilizo personas pequeñitas al lado del líder, pero todas juntas logran voltear y que haga señalar hacia otra parte, hacia la voluntad del pueblo que la mayoría prefiere o vota y esa era la idea del cartón

Boligán's work, published by EL UNIVERSAL on March 15, was lauded for its insightful commentary on how leaders can sometimes disregard the popular will. He explained that his cartoon depicts small figures alongside a leader, collectively managing to shift the leader's focus towards the people's preferences and votes. This nuanced portrayal resonated deeply with the contest's theme, highlighting the universal struggle for democratic representation.

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No utilizo en este cartón ninguna bandera, porque eso le cortaría la imaginación al espectador y le daría tiempo de caducidad al cartón, porque no es una situación exclusiva de Cuba o de México, sucedía en Hungría, en Rusia, en muchos países la cuestión con la democracia y la voluntad popular es un tema

This international recognition is particularly significant for Mexican journalism and art. Boligán's success underscores the global nature of social and political issues, demonstrating that the concerns he addresses—democracy, migration, and human resilience—transcend borders and languages. For EL UNIVERSAL, this award is a testament to the quality and impact of its opinion and graphic journalism, reinforcing its commitment to universal themes that resonate with audiences worldwide. The fact that his work, devoid of specific national flags, allows for broader interpretation, speaks to its enduring power and relevance in a world grappling with diverse political landscapes.

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Por lo que ganar un premio de esta categoría lo motiva a continuar y esforzarse cada vez más.