Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize 2025
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work to advance the democratic rights of Venezuelans," the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.
Machado, 58, is one of the most prominent critics of president Nicolás Maduro. She co-founded the citizens’ platform Súmate in 2002 to monitor elections and promote civic participation. Barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, she has lived largely underground for security reasons.
Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes called her a "brave and committed champion of peace” who "keeps the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness".
In a video sent to AFP, Machado said she was "in shock" upon hearing the news. "What is this? I can’t believe it," she said.
"A powerful signal"
In a reaction to the award, the United Nations welcomed the decision as "a recognition of the Venezuelan people’s clear aspirations for free and fair elections, political rights, and the rule of law."
The Flemish Peace Institute described the award as "a powerful signal against growing anti-democratic forces worldwide."
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Machado, saying on X that the prize "honours not only your courage and conviction. But every voice that refuses to be silenced. In Venezuela and across the world."
Maduro has ruled Venezuela since 2013, succeeding the late Hugo Chávez. His most recent election victories have been widely dismissed as fraudulent. A UN investigation found Maduro and other senior officials responsible for crimes against humanity.
In an interview to the international edition of Elle in September, Machado describes her struggle as "a battle between good and evil". She sees herself as a symbol of peaceful resistance and hopes to "keep the democratic spirit of Venezuela alive."
PHOTO © Juan BARRETO / AFP
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