Sweden’s prime minister said on Friday that he disagreed with the Nobel Foundation’s decision to invite Russia’s envoy to this year’s Nobel ceremony, adding to mounting criticism of the choice.
“Of course, the Nobel Foundation decides who to invite. But, like many others, I was taken aback by Russia’s invitation”, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.
“I would not have done it if I were handling invites to an award ceremony, and I understand that it upsets many people in both Sweden and Ukraine”, Ulf Kristersson remarked.
The Nobel Foundation, which organizes the annual Nobel Prize ceremony and banquet in Stockholm, announced on Thursday that it would issue an invitation to all ambassadors from nations with a presence in Sweden or Norway.
The Foundation chose not to invite the Russian and Belarussian embassies due to the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the Iranian envoy due to the country’s crackdown on a wave of protesters, in 2022.
“It is clear that the world is increasingly divided into spheres, where dialogue between those with differing views is being reduced”, Nobel Foundation executive director Vidar Helgesen said in a statement.
“To counteract this tendency, we are now broadening our invitations to celebrate and understand the Nobel Prize and the importance of free science, free culture, and free, peaceful societies”, Helgesen added.
Because of Russia’s invitation, several prominent Swedish politicians, including the leaders of the Centre, Green, and Left parties, have announced they will boycott the event.
Every year on December 10, laureates in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and economics receive their honors from King Carl XVI Gustaf, followed by a spectacular feast for approximately 1,200 guests.
On the same day, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate is honored in a separate event in Oslo.
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