Venezuelan dissident María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy and challenge authoritarian rule in Venezuela.
The Nobel Committee praised her as “a brave and committed champion of peace” and highlighted her work to unite opposition forces against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Democracy in Retreat
Announcing the award, committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydens warned of a global “retreat of democracy” as authoritarian regimes gain ground. The committee emphasized that free expression, fair elections, and representative government are essential for lasting peace.
Machado’s Response and Dedication
Machado dedicated the prize to the Venezuelan people and to President Donald Trump for his “decisive support.” In a statement on X, she called the award “a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom,” urging global leaders to stand with Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.
A Long Career of Activism
An industrial engineer by training, Machado co-founded organizations promoting children’s welfare and free elections before winning a record number of votes for Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2010. She was expelled from office in 2014 and now leads the Vente Venezuela party. In 2017, she helped found Soy Venezuela, a coalition uniting opposition groups.
White House Criticism and Trump’s Reaction
White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized the committee’s decision, calling it “politics over peace.” Trump, who has long sought the prize, was passed over this year. The committee chair dismissed suggestions that Trump’s campaign influenced the selection, saying decisions are based solely on Alfred Nobel’s criteria.
A Symbol of Democratic Resistance
The committee said Machado “meets all three criteria stated in Alfred Nobel’s will,” praising her steadfast commitment to peaceful democratic change. Her award comes as global democratic institutions face mounting challenges, with the committee noting that more elections are being held than ever, but fewer are truly free and fair.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony will take place on December 10 in Oslo, Norway.
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