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The Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro finally broke his silence after the Peace Nobel Prize was awarded to the opposition leader María Corina Machado.
“Ninety percent of the entire population condemns the demonic witch of the Sayona,” said Maduro this Sunday, without directly referring to Machado, during an event for Indigenous Resistance Day.
"We want peace, and peace we shall have, but a peace with freedom, sovereignty, independence, and equality. Not the peace of the ruins of Gaza nor the peace of death," Maduro added, after citing a poll from Hinterlaces, affiliated with chavismo.
"Here we do not want to be slaves to the gringos," he reiterated in his usual tone.
María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize a week ago for her “tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for her struggle to achieve a fair 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 assured that Machado "keeps the flame of democracy alive amid a 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 his social media, Machado dedicated the award to the Venezuelans and reaffirmed his commitment to freedom: “This tremendous acknowledgment of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to fulfill our task: to conquer Liberty.”
He also expressed gratitude for international support: "Now more than ever we have the support 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, establishing 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 unifying the opposition against the Chavista regime and promoting free elections and a peaceful transition in the South American country.
Reactions to the award have been divided between the euphoria of thousands of Venezuelans and democracy advocates, and the disqualification from chavismo and its allies, including the Cuban regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado
Why was María Corina Machado awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025?
María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her "tireless efforts in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her fight for a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." The Nobel Committee emphasized her bravery and commitment as a peace advocate and her role in keeping the flame of democracy alive in the midst of repression and darkness in Venezuela.
What did Nicolás Maduro say about the Nobel Prize for María Corina Machado?
Nicolás Maduro, without directly mentioning María Corina Machado, referred to the opposition leader as a "demonic witch" and reiterated his desire to maintain a peace characterized by freedom, sovereignty, and independence, in contrast to what he called the "peace of ruins." Maduro criticized the recognition of Machado, aligning himself with the chavista regime's stance of discrediting the opposition.
How did María Corina Machado react upon receiving the news of the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado reacted with surprise and emotion upon learning that she had received the Nobel Peace Prize. In a call with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, she expressed her disbelief and gratitude, dedicating the award to the Venezuelan people. In her statements, Machado emphasized that this recognition is a motivation to continue the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela.
What has been the international reaction to María Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize?
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado has generated divided reactions internationally. While various leaders and political figures have celebrated the award as acknowledgment of the fight for democracy in Venezuela, regimes aligned with chavismo, such as that of Cuba, have criticized the decision of the Nobel Committee. In the United States, the administration of Donald Trump had mixed reactions, with some supporting Machado and others questioning the prize.
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