By awarding this prize, we want to advocate the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and the press as inalienable precnditions of democracy. Both rights occupy an important place in a free democratic constitutional structure and both have to be reclaimed again and again.

Those people who inform the public responsibly in order to reveal conflicts and those who express their opinions in order for change to happen are the ones who form the basis of a free society.

The award bears the name of a family member of the Palm-Foundation´s founding family. Johann Philipp Palm (1766 - 1806) was a bookseller from Schorndorf based in Nuremberg. Schorndorf, where our Foundation still maintains its main office, is a town of about 40.000 inhabitants in Southern Germany. It looks back on a rich history of winegrowing, trading and industry. Over the centuries, it has moulded a self-confident civil society based on Christian ideals and principles.

In 1806, when large parts of Germany were occupied by the French under Napoleon Bonaparte, Palm printed and published the anonymousely written pamphlet harshly criticising the Emperor´s imperial politics in the disguise of liberty as well as the collaboration of the German rulers with the military dictatorship for their own acquisition. Palm was captured and deported to Braunau/ Austria. He was found guilty by a French military court in a mock trial. Within only three hours of the proceedings, he was was executed.

 Learn more about our historic namesake Johann Philipp Palm (1766-1806)