Nobel Prize 2024: Elon Musk and Donald Trump among the candidates

Elon Musk, the owner of companies like Twitter and Tesla, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian libertarian MP Marius Nilsen. As a result, Musk joins a diverse range of controversial figureheads who have been nominated for this distinction, including Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Putin.

Marius Nilsen announced his nomination in the local newspaper, "Agderposten". He noted that he nominated Musk for his "unwavering advocacy of dialogue and freedom of speech", and for allowing a variety of views to be expressed in an increasingly polarized world. The Norwegian MP added that Musk's innovative tech companies have played a substantial role in creating a more connected and safer world.

Nilsen also highlighted the Starlink internet satellite constellation made available by Musk, particularly its use by the Ukrainian military to "communicate, coordinate and resist attacks from Russia" amidst the ongoing conflict.

Musk's nomination, particularly for his "defense of freedom of speech," has ignited debate. Musk acquired Twitter in April 2022, vowing to protect freedom of speech and proclaiming himself an "absolutist" on the matter. In Musk's view, this included the reinstatement of several previously suspended accounts, including those of Andrew Tate and Donald Trump.

Musk received criticism when he banned a user for publicizing the location of his jet, contradicting his prior commitment to upholding freedom of speech. Furthermore, Musk courted controversy for suggesting that he would prohibit accounts whose "primary purpose" was to promote competitor platforms. After Twitter's name was changed to X in 2022, several of Musk's employees alleged that they were dismissed for voicing concerns about colleagues who had been let go for criticizing Musk.

The list of controversies involving the South African-born billionaire is notably extensive. Musk provoked outrage even before his acquisition of Twitter. His automotive company, Tesla, was accused of collaborating with the Chinese government to silence online critics.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee annually selects a recipient from a list of several hundred nominees. They accept nominations from previous laureates, government officials, and members of the academic community. Notably, controversial past nominees have included Russian President Vladimir Putin (2020), Joseph Stalin (1945 and 1948), and Adolf Hitler (1939).

In January, U.S Congresswoman Claudia Tenney nominated Donald Trump for the award. This is not the first time the former American president has been nominated.

Meanwhile, Sofie Marhaug, a Norwegian MP from the left-wing Red Party, nominated journalist Julian Assange. Justifying her nomination in the newspaper "Dagsbladet", she stated: "Assange exposed Western war crimes, thereby contributing to peace. To avoid war, we need to know the reality of the horrors it carries. Assange shed light on the torture and inhumane treatment of war prisoners. He is deserving of the Peace Prize".

Sources: politico.eu, dailymail.co.uk