The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 this Friday for her "tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her fight for a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
The president of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, from Oslo, described the laureate as “a brave and committed advocate for peace, a woman who keeps the flame of democracy alive amid growing darkness.”
“María Corina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace,” added Frydnes during the reading of the ruling.
Additionally, she noted that this Venezuelan woman is "embodying the hope for a different future, where fundamental rights are protected and citizens' voices are heard."
The opposition leader received the official notification that she won the Nobel Peace Prize just minutes before the information was made public. Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, shared the news with her directly over the phone.
The emotional moment was captured on video. María Corina's reaction was one of absolute surprise.
“Oh my God… I am at a loss for words. I hope you understand me (...) It is an honor, and I know it is very good news for the people of Venezuela. Thank you very much,” the Venezuelan expressed.
On her social media, María Corina stated: "This tremendous recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to finish our task: to conquer Freedom. We are on the brink of victory, and now more than ever we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our main allies in achieving Freedom and democracy. Venezuela will be free!"
As a leader of the democratic movement in Venezuela, Machado has been a key figure in articulating a historically fragmented opposition that managed to unite around the demand for free elections and a representative government.
Official announcement from the Nobel Committee
The announcement was made public through the official Nobel accounts with the following text: “The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado for her tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the people of Venezuela and for her fight to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” the statement indicated.
Machado thus becomes the first Venezuelan to receive this prestigious international recognition, placing her among the most influential figures in the contemporary history of Latin America
An international recognition of the Venezuelan struggle
The former presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, supported by Machado in the 2024 elections, celebrated the award as a recognition of "the struggle of a woman and of an entire people" for "freedom and democracy" in Venezuela.
The news has shaken the Venezuelan political landscape, where the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro prevented Machado from running for the presidency in 2023, despite his overwhelming victory in the opposition primaries.
Subsequently, the regime denied the electoral result that favored Edmundo González, supported by Machado. The case generated numerous international complaints of fraud in the elections in Venezuela.
Currently, Machado is in hiding after chavista authorities intensified the persecution of opposition leaders following the elections.
Reactions to the Nobel Peace Prize for María Corina Machado
There has been no immediate official reaction from the regime of Nicolás Maduro, but it is expected that the leader will address this issue soon.
For his part, Donald Trump, President of the United States, has claimed for years that he deserves the award, but in 2025 he did not achieve it, despite his strategies to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the war in Gaza.
There is great interest from the audience in knowing what her reaction will be upon learning that she has been awarded the prize given to the leader of the Venezuelan opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado
Why did María Corina Machado receive the Nobel Peace Prize 2025?
María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her efforts to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Her leadership has been crucial in unifying the Venezuelan opposition around the demand for free elections and a representative government, in a context of repression and persecution by Nicolás Maduro's regime.
What has been the impact of María Corina Machado's award in Venezuela?
The recognition of Machado has shaken the Venezuelan political landscape, generating strong international support for the opposition and increasing speculation about the future of the Chavista regime. The award has been seen as a recognition of the Venezuelan people's struggle for freedom and democracy, highlighting Machado as a symbol of resistance and hope in a country mired in a profound political and social crisis.
What challenges does María Corina Machado face after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize?
Despite international recognition, Machado faces a regime that has intensified the persecution against opposition leaders, preventing his presidential candidacy and disregarding electoral results favorable to the opposition. Currently, Machado is in hiding, highlighting the ongoing risks and challenges in his fight for democracy in Venezuela. His leadership is crucial for maintaining the cohesion of the opposition and continuing to articulate efforts toward a peaceful transition.
How is María Corina Machado's struggle related to other democratic movements in Latin America?
María Corina Machado has aligned the fight for freedom in Venezuela with democratic movements in Cuba and Nicaragua, highlighting her commitment to work for democratic change throughout the region. During the "Save Cuba" conference in Miami, Machado stated that after the liberation of Venezuela, she will dedicate efforts to free Cuba and Nicaragua, reinforcing the idea of a common front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America.
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