On Friday, October 10, 2025, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure and advocate for democracy, has been honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, praised Machado for her relentless dedication to defending democratic freedoms in Venezuela and her efforts to facilitate a peaceful and just shift from authoritarian rule to democratic governance.
Described as a courageous and devoted peace advocate, Machado’s recognition centers on her unwavering commitment to advancing democracy within her country. The committee emphasized that democracy-defined by the freedoms to express opinions, vote freely, and participate in representative government-is essential for maintaining peace both domestically and internationally.
Machado’s background includes studies in engineering and finance, followed by a brief tenure in the business sector. In 1992, she founded the Atenea Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless children in Caracas. A decade later, she co-established Súmate, which focuses on promoting transparent elections through voter education and election monitoring.
Her political career took a significant leap in 2010 when she was elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly with a record-breaking vote count. However, the government removed her from office in 2014. Currently, Machado leads the Vente Venezuela party and played a key role in forming the Soy Venezuela coalition in 2017, uniting various pro-democracy groups across political divides.
The formal Nobel Prize ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Oslo, Norway. When questioned about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of Machado’s candidacy, Frydnes clarified that the committee’s decision was independent and solely based on the principles outlined by Alfred Nobel.
“Each year, we receive thousands of nominations highlighting diverse paths to peace,” Frydnes explained. “Our deliberations are guided strictly by the legacy and criteria set forth by Alfred Nobel, within a room adorned by portraits of past laureates symbolizing courage and integrity.”
The committee highlighted the global challenges facing democracy today, noting a troubling rise in authoritarianism, suppression of free media, imprisonment of dissenters, and increasing militarization. Despite a record number of elections held worldwide in 2024, fewer have met the standards of fairness and freedom.
Maria Corina Machado exemplifies the qualities Alfred Nobel envisioned for Peace Prize recipients. She has unified opposition forces, consistently opposed the militarization of Venezuelan society, and championed a peaceful democratic transition. Her work demonstrates that democratic principles are fundamental tools for achieving lasting peace.
Her recognition symbolizes hope for a future where citizens’ fundamental rights are safeguarded, their voices respected, and freedom to live peacefully is realized.
This year, the Nobel Peace Prize attracted 338 nominations, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s 286 candidates. The record for most nominations remains 376, set in 2016.
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