Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless struggle to restore democracy in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her as a woman “who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”
Machado, a former presidential candidate, has long been a leading voice against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime. The committee’s chair, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, described her as a “key, unifying figure” who continues to inspire millions despite persecution and threats.
“In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country — inspiring millions,” Frydnes said.
Machado’s Reaction: “I’m Humbled and Honored”
Speaking via phone with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Machado said:
“This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve. I am just part of a huge movement. I’m humbled, grateful, and honored by this recognition.”
She expressed hope that her country was “very close to achieving freedom” and emphasized that Venezuela’s struggle remained peaceful despite “brutal violence” from the state.
Crackdown on Dissent
Machado, who turned 58 this week, had been barred from running in last year’s election. Her replacement, Edmundo González, was later forced into exile after the government declared Maduro the winner in a controversial vote marred by repression and human rights abuses.
The election sparked nationwide protests that left more than 20 people dead. Since then, hundreds of political prisoners — including Machado’s associates — remain jailed. Human rights group Foro Penal estimates that over 800 Venezuelans are currently imprisoned for political reasons.
Public Reaction
On the streets of Caracas, Venezuelans expressed surprise and pride at the announcement.
“She deserves it,” said Sandra Martínez, 32. “She’s a great woman.”
While there was no immediate comment from the Maduro government, international observers praised the Nobel Committee’s decision, calling it a strong statement in defense of democracy.
Global Recognition
Machado was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People earlier this year. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described her as “the Venezuelan Iron Lady” and a symbol of resilience and patriotism.
In August 2024, Rubio and other U.S. lawmakers had even supported her Nobel nomination in a letter to the committee.
Trump’s Reaction and Speculation
Before the announcement, there had been speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump might win the prize for his Gaza ceasefire plan. However, the committee reaffirmed that it bases its decisions solely on merit and Nobel’s original vision.
Trump later congratulated Machado by phone, and she responded on social media, saying:
“I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela — and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
About the Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is the only Nobel award presented in Oslo, Norway, while other prizes — in medicine, physics, chemistry, and literature — are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics will be announced on Monday.
Machado becomes the 20th woman and 112th individual to receive the Nobel Peace Prize since its inception.