How Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize while fighting for her nation's freedom from the shadows.
On October 10, 2025, the world's most prestigious honor for peace was awarded to opposition politician María Corina Machado of Venezuela.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee celebrated her "tireless work promoting democratic rights" and her struggle for a "peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
With degrees in industrial engineering and finance, Machado shifted her focus from industry to activism, becoming a prominent critic of the ruling government.
Her steadfast opposition came at a great cost. Due to threats and political persecution, Machado has been forced to lead her movement from hiding.
She was chosen from a field of 338 candidates. This prize elevates the Venezuelan struggle for democracy to the forefront of global conversation.
In her initial reaction, Machado expressed her shock. She humbly stated that the award is an "achievement of a whole society."
In a social media post, she dedicated the prize to the long-suffering people of Venezuela and thanked international supporters of their cause for freedom.
The United Nations welcomed the decision. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it reflects the "clear aspirations of the people of Venezuela for free and fair elections."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, calling Machado "a champion of democracy and a voice of unity in her country."
The prize was widely praised, but some critics recalled her past veiled calls for a potential foreign military intervention as a controversial stance.
However, the Nobel Committee's citation emphasizes her commitment to peaceful methods, choosing to highlight her tireless work towards a non-violent transition.
The formal award ceremony, with its 11 million Swedish kronor prize, is set for December 10 in Oslo, but the real impact will be felt on the streets of Venezuela.
This Nobel Peace Prize is more than an award; it's a powerful symbol of international solidarity and a beacon of hope for a nation fighting for its future.
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