Oslo, October 10, 2025 — The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, an industrial engineer and former Deputy of the National Assembly of Venezuela. The committee recognized her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” according to the official Nobel Prize announcement (Source: NobelPrize.org).
From Engineer to Political Icon
Born in Caracas in 1967, Machado began her career as an industrial engineer before venturing into politics during Venezuela’s deepening political crisis. She became one of the most influential figures opposing the government of Nicolás Maduro. Her political journey started when she co-founded the civic group Súmate, which advocated for fair elections and government transparency. She later served as a Deputy in the National Assembly, where she was known for her outspoken criticism of authoritarian practices (Source: Reuters).
In 2024, Machado led Venezuela’s opposition movement and won the opposition primary by a landslide. However, she was barred from contesting the presidential election due to a government ban, widely condemned as politically motivated. Despite threats and arrest warrants, she remained in Venezuela, continuing to advocate for democratic reform (Source: AP News).
Nobel Committee’s Message
The Nobel Committee highlighted that democracy and peace are inseparable, noting that Machado’s courage embodies the values of peaceful resistance and hope. “By recognizing María Corina Machado, the Committee wishes to honor the Venezuelan people’s ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination,” said Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes (Source: NobelPrize.org).
The award also underscores the global importance of democracy amid rising authoritarianism. By honoring a figure from Latin America, the Committee emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of democratic rights and justice.
Reactions from Around the World
Machado expressed gratitude upon receiving the news, dedicating the prize “to every Venezuelan who has kept faith in democracy, even in the darkest hours.” She also noted that this recognition belongs to “those who have sacrificed their freedom and lives in pursuit of justice” (Source: Time).
The announcement has drawn praise from several international leaders. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Machado, calling her “a symbol of hope for all who fight for democracy.” Meanwhile, the European Union’s foreign affairs office hailed the award as “a strong signal of solidarity with the Venezuelan people.”
However, the Maduro government reacted negatively. Venezuela’s U.N. ambassador, Samuel Moncada, criticized the Nobel Committee’s decision, claiming Machado was “a political figure backed by foreign powers” (Source: The Guardian).
The Prize and Its Legacy
The Nobel Peace Prize, established by the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, is one of five awards given annually to individuals or organizations contributing to humanity. It consists of a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award of $1.2 million (11 million Swedish kronor) (Source: NobelPrize.org).
This year’s award places Machado among notable figures who stood for democracy against oppression, such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela. Her win highlights the role of civic courage in achieving non-violent change.
The award ceremony will take place on December 10, 2025, in Oslo, Norway, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Many observers believe this recognition will strengthen international pressure on the Venezuelan government to respect human rights and political freedoms (Source: Al Jazeera).
A Symbol of Peaceful Defiance
For millions of Venezuelans facing poverty, emigration, and political repression, Machado’s Nobel Prize is more than a personal achievement—it’s a symbol of hope. It reminds the world that even in nations struggling under dictatorship, the will for peace and democracy endures.
As the Nobel Committee stated, her award sends a global message: peace flourishes only where people are free to choose their leaders and shape their future.
