The first reaction of María Corina Machado upon learning that she had won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was not a solemn or prepared speech, but rather a blend of disbelief, tears, and shared laughter.
From hiding, where she is concealed from the persecution of Nicolás Maduro's regime, the opposition leader answered a call that marked the day: that of the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
The center's director, Kristian Berg Harpviken, was the first to inform him of the news, just minutes before the Committee made the decision public.
In the recording released by the Nobel Foundation, Machado is heard repeating several times, "Oh my God!" and confessing in a choked voice, "I have no words… I feel honored, overwhelmed, and very grateful on behalf of the people of Venezuela."
Harpviken asked to keep the news under wraps for five minutes, until the official announcement. She, visibly shocked, replied: "I think it's going to take me much longer to believe what I just heard."
An award with double meaning
For Machado, recognition transcends his personal figure.
In the official call with the Nobel Institute, he insisted: "This is an achievement for all of society. I am just one person, I don't deserve it. This is the greatest recognition for our people."
Subsequently, in a message posted on his X account, he linked the award to the political struggle he leads.
"This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a motivation to complete our task: to achieve freedom," he stated.
"We are on the threshold of victory, and today 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," he added.
The vision of the Nobel Committee
The president of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, described Machado as "a brave and committed advocate for peace, who keeps the flame of democracy alive in the midst of darkness."
The ruling emphasized its role in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and in the pursuit of "a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
According to Frydnes, Machado embodies "the hope for a different future, in which the fundamental rights of citizens are protected and their voices are heard."
Between Laughter and Tears with Edmundo González
Shortly after, there was a more personal call: that of Edmundo González Urrutia, her political ally.
In the video shared on her social media, the spontaneity of the moment was evident: "Oh no, well... I don't know if I'm... I'm in shock. But what is this mess? I can't believe this, my God," Machado said amidst nervous laughter.
González, filled with excitement, replied: "We're all in shock from joy here too, you know? This is amazing."
The opposition leader, a former presidential candidate supported by Machado in 2024, accompanied the video with a public message.
"Our beloved María Corina Machado, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025! A well-deserved recognition for the long struggle of a woman and an entire people for our freedom and democracy. The first Nobel laureate from Venezuela! Venezuela will be free!" she wrote.
Context and repercussions
The news has shaken the political landscape of Venezuela.
Machado becomes the first Venezuelan to receive a Nobel Prize, placing her among the most influential figures in Latin America today.
His career is defined by the confrontation with Chavismo.
In 2023, after sweeping the opposing primaries, the Maduro regime blocked her presidential candidacy. A year later, it dismissed the victory of González, the candidate backed by her, which sparked international allegations of fraud.
Since then, Machado has remained in hiding, under an increasingly fierce persecution.
In contrast, the silence of Maduro's regime in response to the news is as telling as Machado's emotional reaction.
At the same time, the United States awaits with interest the stance of President Donald Trump, who aspired to the Nobel Prize for years but saw in 2025 how the award went to the Venezuelan leader.
The phone call that changed Machado's history reflects not only the human dimension of an award laden with symbolism but also the determination of a leader who, despite being pursued and in hiding, received confirmation that her struggle has transcended borders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado
Why did María Corina Machado win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado was awarded for her "tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for her fight to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." Her leadership has been crucial in keeping the flame of democracy alive in Venezuela, even amidst the regime's persecution under Nicolás Maduro.
What was María Corina Machado's reaction upon learning about the award?
The reaction of María Corina Machado was one of surprise and excitement. In a phone call with the director of the Nobel Institute, she expressed disbelief, saying, "Oh my God!" and felt honored, overwhelmed, and very grateful on behalf of the people of Venezuela. Her reaction was spontaneous, filled with tears and laughter, reflecting the personal and collective impact of the recognition.
What does this award mean for Venezuela and for the democratic struggle in the country?
The award represents international recognition for the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. For Machado, this honor is an achievement of the entire Venezuelan society and a motivation to complete the task of achieving freedom. The acknowledgment from the Nobel Committee emphasizes the importance of protecting fundamental rights and promoting a peaceful transition to democracy.
What has been María Corina Machado's trajectory in Venezuelan politics?
María Corina Machado has been a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, known for her strong stance against the Chavista regime. In 2023, she won the opposition primaries, but her presidential candidacy was blocked by Maduro's regime. Despite the persecution, she has remained active in hiding, leading a unified movement that seeks free elections and a democratic government in Venezuela.
Filed under:
