Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. MEP Branko Grims put forward Musk's name to honor his bold stand for free speech. He tells us why.
Branko Grims
Jan 29, 2025 - 7:29 PM
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Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. In our nomination, we emphasize that freedom of speech is not just a legal right; it is the very foundation of peace and democratic development.
Please note that, due to the statutes and internal regulations of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the joint list of all signatories (and their number) for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nomination is not publicly disclosed. While I am a public signatory, my co-signatories include MEPs, MPs, and university professors.
As outlined in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, individuals are guaranteed the freedom to express opinions and ideas, seek information, and engage in dialogue without fear of interference. We make it clear that,
"Without consistent respect for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech, peace is, in fact, unattainable."
Our proposal highlights how Musk’s actions, particularly his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter), have contributed to the preservation and protection of free speech. We argue that in today’s digital age, the ability to express ideas freely is essential for a peaceful, democratic society. Musk's decision to purchase and re-define X has made it a global platform where diverse opinions can be freely shared and exchanged.
We further emphasize that Musk’s initiative to purchase X and eliminate systemic censorship mechanisms is a monumental act of resistance against global censorship trends. Before Musk’s leadership, social media platforms like X faced increasing pressure from governments and corporations to suppress certain opinions, particularly under the guise of protecting against “misinformation.”
In contrast, Musk rejected these pressures, ensuring that the platform remained open to different opinions, regardless of national boundaries. He removed options for political censorship, allowing users to express their views without interference. Alongside my co-signatories, I stress that this bold stance has not only preserved the integrity of free speech but also set a powerful example for other platforms, such as Meta (Facebook and Instagram), which have begun to reevaluate their own censorship policies in response.
The nomination also highlights the broader global impact of Musk’s actions. By prioritizing free expression, Musk has not only safeguarded individual rights but also fostered a more open, democratic digital environment. The ripple effect of his decisions is evident in the growing resistance to censorship across the digital world. We note that, historically, censorship has been used as a tool by authoritarian regimes to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent. Musk’s leadership stands as a beacon against this trend, ensuring that free speech remains a cornerstone of global democracy.
Our nomination emphasizes that Musk’s actions in defense of free speech contribute directly to global peace and the preservation of democratic values. By protecting the right to freely exchange ideas, Musk has created a platform that enables constructive dialogue, fosters mutual understanding, and supports democratic development worldwide. We emphasise that,
“Freedom of speech is unified and indivisible, as any form of limitation or censorship causes it to cease to exist. When freedom of speech is violated, democracy becomes nothing more than a farce, opening space for deception, manipulation, and incitement; and thus, for conflict and war instead of peace.”
In light of Musk’s extraordinary contributions, our nomination calls for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his relentless efforts to uphold the fundamental human right to freedom of speech. As the world grapples with the complexities of the digital age, Musk’s leadership serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving free expression in the pursuit of global peace. Our proposal concludes:
"The proposer and the co-signatories jointly propose Mr. Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971 in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, for his persistent, outstanding and successful efforts to preserve and consistently respect the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and thereby for world peace and development for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize".
In an age where censorship is increasingly weaponized, I believe that Musk’s nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize underscores the enduring truth that freedom of speech is not just a right but the foundation of peace, democracy, and a just society.
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Branko Grims
Slovenian Politician | Member of the European Parliament