The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela and her unwavering struggle to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Announcing the decision in Oslo, the Committee praised Machado’s “uncompromising dedication to freedom, justice, and human rights,” recognizing her as a symbol of courage for millions of Venezuelans enduring political repression and economic hardship.
Machado, a long-time opposition leader and founder of the political movement Vente Venezuela, has been a central figure in the fight against authoritarian rule in her country. Despite arrests, threats, and repeated bans from public office, she has continued to advocate for nonviolent resistance and democratic reform.
“The Committee wishes to highlight her role in inspiring hope and mobilizing civic participation under one of the most repressive regimes in Latin America,” the Nobel statement read.
In her initial reaction, Machado expressed gratitude and humility, dedicating the award to “the brave Venezuelans who refuse to give up on freedom.”
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 underscores growing global concern over Venezuela’s political crisis and the struggle for democracy across Latin America.
Machado joins a historic list of laureates who have championed peace and democracy through nonviolent means, including Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai.
The award ceremony will take place in Oslo on December 10, 2025, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.