Who is María Corina Machado? Venezuela’s opposition leader awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures supporters during a protest called by the opposition on the eve of the presidential inauguration, in Caracas on January 9, 2025. Image Credit: Pedro MATTEY/AFP
The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 has been awarded to María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader and one of the most prominent voices for democracy in Latin America. At 58, Machado has spent decades challenging the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro, enduring political bans, threats, and periods in hiding.
Announced in Oslo, the Nobel Committee praised her as a “brave and committed champion of peace”, recognizing her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her efforts to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
A Nobel Prize for Democracy in Venezuela
The committee described Machado as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America.” She has become a unifying figure in Venezuela’s fractured opposition, rallying millions of citizens who believe last year’s presidential election was stolen by Maduro’s government.
Despite being barred from running in 2024, she successfully mobilized the opposition to rally behind Edmundo González, who was widely seen as the rightful winner of the vote. The Nobel Committee emphasized her belief in “ballots over bullets” at a time when democracy is under threat globally.
Life in Hiding and Continued Struggle
Since August 2024, Machado has lived largely in hiding, writing letters to international media and briefly appearing at protests where she was once arrested and released. In one statement, she said: “I am writing this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my fellow countrymen.”
Her persistence has made her a symbol of hope. Even in exile, opposition allies such as Edmundo González credit her with keeping Venezuela’s democratic movement alive.
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Reaction to the Nobel Peace Prize
Upon receiving the news, Machado reacted with emotion: “Oh my God… I have no words.” She later called the award the “achievement of a whole society”, dedicating it to the Venezuelan people’s fight for freedom.
World leaders, democracy advocates, and Venezuelan exiles hailed the recognition as historic, with González declaring: “Venezuela’s first Nobel! Venezuela will be free!”
Trump’s Snub and the Political Backdrop
The award also came amid controversy. President Donald Trump, who campaigned heavily for the Nobel Peace Prize citing his global ceasefire initiatives, was passed over. While Trump accused the committee of bias, analysts noted that choosing Machado highlighted the defense of democratic values without yielding to political pressure.
Why Her Award Matters Globally
The Nobel Committee stressed that democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. By honoring Machado, the committee underscored the growing risks faced by democratic activists worldwide, particularly in countries under authoritarian rule.
Her recognition places Venezuela’s crisis back in the international spotlight, reminding the world that freedom, civic courage, and unity remain essential tools in the struggle for peace.
Comprehensive FAQ About María Corina Machado
Q1: Who is María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader, democracy activist, and politician. She has spent decades opposing Nicolás Maduro’s rule and fighting for democratic reforms.
Q2: Why did María Corina Machado win the Nobel Peace Prize?
She was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and her struggle to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Q3: How old is María Corina Machado?
She is 58 years old.
Q4: Was María Corina Machado allowed to run in Venezuela’s last election?
No. In 2024, she was barred from running by the government. Instead, she endorsed Edmundo González, who many observers say won by a landslide but was denied victory.
Q5: Is María Corina Machado in hiding?
Yes. Since August 2024, Machado has lived mostly in hiding due to threats from the Maduro government, though she continues to release statements and occasionally appears at protests.
Q6: What has been her role in Venezuelan politics?
Machado has united Venezuela’s often divided opposition. Even when banned, she successfully mobilized the movement behind a single candidate, strengthening calls for democratic change.
Q7: What was her reaction to winning the Nobel Peace Prize?
Machado expressed shock and joy, saying the award was not for her alone but an “achievement of a whole society.”
Q8: What does this award mean for Venezuela?
The prize brings international attention to Venezuela’s political crisis and highlights the ongoing fight for free and fair elections against authoritarian rule.
Q9: How does Donald Trump factor into this year’s award?
Trump had publicly lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his peace deals. The decision to award Machado instead was seen as a signal that the committee focused on democratic activism rather than political pressure.
Q10: Who else has won recent Nobel Peace Prizes?
In 2024, the award went to Nihon Hidankyo, survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In 2023, it went to jailed Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.