The Nobel Foundation’s decision to invite the ambassadors of Iran, Belarus and Russia to this year’s Nobel Prize ceremony has drawn strong criticism. Several party leaders and also Ukraine’s ambassador to Sweden have announced that they will boycott the Nobel celebration unless the decision is changed.
But the Nobel Foundation’s CEO Vidar Helgesen stands by his position, reports Ekot.
— We see more polarization, more populism, more nationalism, and we do not want to contribute to that polarization. We would rather invite to explain how important it is with free research, free culture, democracy and human rights and peace efforts, says Helgesen to the radio.
Went back to practice
He does not want to comment on the defection of the party leaders.
— When we send out the invitations, we are used to some coming and others not.
— From a politician’s perspective, it is not an unnatural reaction. But our perspective should be how to manage the values of the Nobel Prize.
Last year, the ambassadors of Iran, Belarus and Russia were not allowed to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony. Helgesen has justified the decision by saying that last year was an exception, and that they have now gone back to previous practice.
Party leaders from the Centre, the Left Party and the Green Party have chosen to boycott the celebration. The Liberals’ Johan Pehrson also indicated on platform X that he will not participate.
No message from Kristersson
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) has expressed surprise at the Nobel Foundation’s decision, but has not announced whether he will go or not.
The leader of the Christian Democrats, Ebba Busch, however, plans to go.
SD’s Jimmie Åkesson, who was invited this year for the first time, states that he “completely ignores” the party, and never ever intends to “attend” it.