The City of Athens awarded its official medal to Nobel Prize-winning Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai during the first Athens International Literature Festival. Mayor Haris Doukas presented the honor at City Hall, praising the author's contributions to world literature. Krasznahorkai is taking part in festival events from March 27 to 29.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas presented Nobel laureate László Krasznahorkai with the city's official medal in a ceremony at City Hall on March 27. The event coincided with the opening of the inaugural Athens International Literature Festival, held at Technopolis from March 27 to 29. Doukas commended Krasznahorkai's 'exceptional contribution to contemporary world literature' and his philosophical depth and distinct style, which have built his global reputation. The mayor noted that the author's participation underscores the festival's international ambitions and cultural importance, as first reported by tovima.com. Krasznahorkai, recipient of the International Booker Prize in 2015 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2025, thanked the city for the recognition. 'I am deeply honored to be here and to participate in this festival,' he said. He added that such events foster engagement with books and ideas, particularly among younger audiences, and that he accepted the invitation immediately upon hearing about the initiative. The author is featured in keynote events and discussions examining literature's ties to politics. He will also introduce a screening of Werckmeister Harmonies, directed by his longtime collaborator Béla Tarr. The free-admission festival gathers writers, journalists, academics, artists, and readers from Greece and abroad. Panels cover themes including identity, gender, violence, social inequality, and the interplay of politics and literature. Organizers aim to create a lasting platform for cultural exchange and public dialogue on these topics.