Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy activist María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless fight for democratic rights” and her courage in challenging President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
Announcing the award on Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado for her “extraordinary civilian courage” and her role as a unifying figure in Venezuela’s fractured opposition.
“María Corina Machado has shown remarkable dedication to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and peaceful political change,” the committee said.
“At a time when democracy is under threat globally, her leadership embodies the shared willingness to defend popular rule, even amid deep disagreement.”
The committee described her as “one of Latin America’s most courageous voices for freedom,” citing her persistence in pushing for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy despite harassment, threats, and political persecution.
A Symbol of Resistance
Machado, 57, has long been a leading figure in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement. She was barred from running in the July 2024 presidential election, despite being the opposition’s preferred candidate.
Following her disqualification, she threw her support behind Edmundo González, who many observers believe won the election by a wide margin — though Maduro’s government declared victory amid widespread allegations of fraud.
The disputed election triggered Operation Tun Tun, a brutal crackdown marked by mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent. Machado has been forced into hiding since then but remains inside Venezuela, continuing to speak out against repression.
“Her choice to remain in her homeland and continue advocating for peaceful change has inspired millions,” the Nobel Committee added.
Trump’s Bid Falls Short
The announcement dealt a symbolic blow to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, touting his self-described image as the “candidate of peace.”
Despite his administration’s hard stance against Maduro — including a $50 million reward for information leading to the Venezuelan leader’s arrest — Trump’s foreign policy record proved divisive.
Since returning to office, Trump has escalated tensions in the Middle East, backed Israel’s war in Gaza, ordered air strikes on Iranian facilities, and reignited a global trade war with China.
While he has claimed credit for mediating temporary truces, including between India and Pakistan, critics say his confrontational approach has deepened global instability.
Just hours before the Nobel announcement, Trump reposted a video on Truth Social arguing why he “deserved the honour.”
However, Nobel Committee chair Jørgen Frydnes dismissed speculation that political pressure influenced their decision.
“We base our judgment solely on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” Frydnes said.
Machado’s win has been hailed globally as a triumph for democracy and a powerful message of solidarity to Venezuela’s embattled citizens.
