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Cuban activist Carolina Barrero referred to critics of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado as “moral contortionists.”
“It is embarrassing to see so-called feminists and intellectuals performing mental acrobatics to discredit the award: whether she is a politician and not an advocate, whether she called for an invasion, whether she supports Trump,” Barrero said.
"I want to say something very simple: human rights are not the property of the left. However, human rights are indeed political, insofar as their conception and drafting arise from a political moment: the post-war ideas about the necessity of a new global order based on peace, coexistence, and respect for human dignity," he added.
For the Cuban activist, the criticism of the Nobel laureate is a testament to the double standards of the Latin American left.
"I don't believe any of the moral contortionists who are attacking her today. And I'm glad: their twisted pain reveals the source of their discomfort, which is none other than a lack of honesty, tribal militancy, and resentment towards freedom," he explained.
Barrero believes that "part of the resentment towards María Corina Machado’s Nobel arises precisely from this ideological claim of ownership by the left and the fervent belief that it is moral superiority that grants them this ownership. The other part of the discontent with the Nobel stems from something older and more insidious: misogyny."
"Human rights are political, but they do not belong to any ideology. They do not belong to the right or the left. Although, strictly speaking, they owe much more to European humanist liberalism than to socialist traditions," he added.
"The criticisms of the Venezuelan Nobel Prize winner 'do not withstand serious and honest scrutiny. No one has cornered the Venezuelan regime through peaceful means like MCM. Winning elections against an authoritarian regime, proving fraud, maintaining the unity of a fragmented opposition, and continuing to appeal to the Armed Forces to side with the people is no small feat. It is a titanic effort that MCM has accomplished,' he concluded."
María Corina Machado has been awarded on Friday for her "tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy," according to the official statement from the Nobel Committee, issued from Oslo.
The president of the Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, described her as "a brave and dedicated advocate for peace," and stated that Machado "keeps the flame of democracy alive in the midst of growing darkness."
The opposition leader reacted with emotion upon receiving the call from the Committee: “Oh my God… I have no words. It is an honor, and I know it is a very good piece of news for the people of Venezuela.”
On her social media, Machado dedicated the award to the Venezuelans and reaffirmed her commitment to freedom: “This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to complete our task: to conquer Freedom.”
He also expressed gratitude for international support: “Today more than ever, we have the backing of President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world.”
With this award, Machado becomes the first Venezuelan to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, positioning herself as one of the most influential figures in Latin America today.
His trajectory as a leader of the democratic movement in Venezuela has been crucial in uniting the opposition against the Chavista regime and promoting free elections and a peaceful transition in the South American country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Prize
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 for her fight to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." Her leadership in unifying a historically fragmented opposition and her resilience against the regime of Nicolás Maduro were key factors for this distinction.
What have been the critical reactions to the Nobel prize awarded to María Corina Machado?
Criticism of the Nobel awarded to Machado has primarily come from figures and governments aligned with the Latin American left. Cuban activist Carolina Barrero described the critics as "moral contortionists," while Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel referred to the ruling as "politicization" and "bias." The critical reaction focuses on the perception that the award was given for political purposes rather than for merits in promoting peace, according to some opinions.
How has María Corina Machado reacted to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado reacted with emotion and gratitude upon receiving the news of the Nobel Prize. On her social media, she dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people and emphasized the international support, specifically mentioning the backing from President Trump, the people of the United States, and the democratic nations of the world. Machado believes that this accolade is a boost for the fight for freedom in Venezuela.
What does the Nobel Peace Prize mean for the Venezuelan opposition?
The Nobel Peace Prize for María Corina Machado is seen as an international recognition of the fight of the Venezuelan opposition against Nicolás Maduro's regime. This recognition enhances the value of Venezuelan civil society and sends a global message about the need to support a democratic transition in the country. Furthermore, it positions Machado as a central figure in Latin American politics and gives renewed momentum to the Venezuelan democratic cause.
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