The Free Market Foundation (FMF) extends its congratulations to Martin van Staden, FMF Head of Policy since June 2023, for placing first (ex aequo) for the 16th International Vernon Smith Prize for his paper, ‘Rule of Law: The Universal Unwritten Constitution.’

Van Staden received the award yesterday, 19 February, from His Serene Highness Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein at a special ceremony held at the Princely Wine Cellars in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

The prize was awarded on the recommendation of an international panel of judges, and is bestowed by the European Center for Austrian Economics Foundation.

‘This award is a fitting acknowledgment of Martin’s legal scholarship, which underscores the vital importance of the Rule of Law in a free society,’ said David Ansara, CEO of the FMF.

‘We are fortunate to have somebody of Martin’s intellect and industry leading the Free Market Foundation’s policy and advocacy initiatives. I am immensely proud of Martin for his achievement,’ Ansara concluded.