The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a leading Venezuelan opposition figure, recognizing her tireless and peaceful struggle for democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Machado, founder and leader of the Vente Venezuela party, has for years championed nonviolent political change in a country long gripped by authoritarian rule and economic turmoil.
However, despite being barred from contesting the 2024 presidential elections after winning the opposition primaries, she continued to organize peaceful resistance and mobilize citizens for democratic reform.
The committee praised her unyielding courage in promoting democratic principles through peaceful means, even in the face of persecution, intimidation, and disqualification.
This year’s announcement came amid controversy after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his belief that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize and reportedly lobbied Norwegian diplomats for consideration.
His comments drew criticism from political observers, who viewed them as an attempt to influence an independent and confidential selection process.
In a brief statement, the Nobel Committee said that its decision was based only on contributions to peace and human rights ruling out external lobbying or political pressure.
Trump, who has long claimed he should have received a Nobel for his diplomatic efforts during his presidency, has not yet responded to the announcement.
Machado’s win brings renewed global attention to Venezuela’s struggle for democracy and is widely interpreted as a symbolic victory for peaceful activism in Latin America.
She becomes the first Venezuelan to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining a legacy of global figures honoured for advancing human rights and nonviolent reform.
The award ceremony will take place in Oslo, Norway, today, December 10, 2025, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
