María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to promoting democratic rights and advocating for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado as a “brave and committed champion of peace,” highlighting her role as a unifying figure within a deeply divided opposition and her tireless efforts despite significant personal and political challenges.
Born in 1967, Machado has been a vocal critic of both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro’s governments. She served as a member of the National Assembly from 2011 to 2014 and has played a key role in organizing opposition movements and advocating for free and fair elections through organizations such as Súmate and Vente Venezuela.
Despite facing persecution, including being barred from running in the 2024 presidential election and living in hiding due to threats to her safety, Machado has remained a steadfast symbol of democratic resistance. Her dedication to nonviolent democratic reform has earned her international recognition, including the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize and the Sakharov Prize in 2024.
The Nobel Peace Prize, which includes a medal, diploma, and a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor, will be formally presented to Machado on December 10, 2025, in Oslo. Her selection underscores the global importance of defending democratic principles and human rights amid rising authoritarianism.
