The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, recognizing her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Venezuela, and her courageous struggle for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Machado, a leading figure in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, has been honored for her decades-long advocacy for free and fair elections, judicial independence, and civilian freedom in a nation suffering under authoritarian rule.
The Committee praised Machado as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America,” commending her role in uniting Venezuela’s divided opposition around the shared goal of restoring democracy.
Venezuela, once a prosperous democracy, has descended into a severe economic and humanitarian crisis under its authoritarian regime. Nearly eight million citizens have fled the country amid political repression, election rigging, and widespread poverty.
Machado, who co-founded the pro-democracy organization Súmate over 20 years ago, famously described her mission as “a choice of ballots over bullets.” Despite being banned from running in the 2024 presidential election, she continued to rally the opposition, endorsing candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and leading efforts to ensure a transparent vote.
Even under threats, arrests, and intimidation, thousands of citizens—motivated by Machado’s leadership—monitored polling stations and documented election results that showed the opposition’s victory, which the regime refused to acknowledge.
The Nobel Committee emphasized that Machado exemplifies the power of peaceful resistance, comparing her to past laureates who risked their lives for freedom and justice.
Forced into hiding due to threats, Machado has remained in Venezuela, continuing to inspire millions with her message of peaceful defiance.
“Maria Corina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace,” the Committee said. “She embodies the hope of a different future — one where freedom, justice, and peace prevail.”
