Vinder af den europæiske borgerpris 2022

– blev den 78-årige, parkinson-ramte Carlos San Juan de Laorden, for sin protest mod lukningen af spanske bankfilialer, fortæller en pressemeddelelse fra europarlamentet.

I en artikel fra New York Times beskrives baggrunden for protesten:

“I was politely told that I could change bank if I didn’t like it,” he said. “I’ve kept my money in the same bank for 51 years, since I got my first paycheck, and it hurts to see that the digital world has dehumanized us to the point that loyalty has lost all of its worth.” Infuriated, Mr. San Juan started an online petition that he called “I’m Old, Not an Idiot,” arguing that banks and other institutions should serve all citizens, rather than sideline the oldest and most vulnerable members of society in their rush to online services.

Carlos San Juan, startede en underskriftindsamling, der blev underskrevet af mere end 600.000 mennesker.