In a powerful statement recognizing unwavering courage, María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” This recognition comes as Ms. Machado, who has spearheaded one of Venezuela’s most vital political movements, has been living in hiding since last year.
Machado emerged from the political fringes to rally Venezuela’s often-divided opposition behind her in the lead-up to the 2024 election. This rise followed years of political apathy, during which President Nicolás Maduro’s government suppressed protests and imprisoned dissidents, triggering a massive exodus from the country.
Despite being barred from running due to alleged financial irregularities during her time as a national legislator, she passionately supported another opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. While Maduro claimed victory in what was widely seen as a rigged election, the opposition presented evidence suggesting González had won by a significant margin. Following these events, Ms. Machado was forced into hiding.
Upon receiving the news from the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Ms. Machado’s initial reaction was one of shock and humility. In a video shared by the committee, she expressed, “Oh my god… I have no words. This is an achievement of a whole society. I am just, you know, one person. I certainly do not deserve this. I’m honored, humbled. I’m very grateful on behalf of the Venezuelan people. We’re not there yet. We’re working very hard to achieve it, but I’m sure that we will prevail.”
International law scholar David Scheffer praised the Nobel committee’s choice, stating that it had “elevated a courageous hero of peacemaking — someone who works among her own people to protect them against repression and atrocity crimes in order to shape a more peaceful and democratic world.” The committee’s chairman, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, acknowledged that judges consider the security implications of such awards, especially when the laureate is in hiding, believing the prize would support her cause. He expressed hope for her attendance at the December ceremony, dependent on the security situation.
The announcement of this year’s Peace Prize comes after a week of other Nobel Prizes in the arts and sciences. Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing atomic bomb survivors who have campaigned tirelessly for nuclear disarmament. In 2023, the honor went to Narges Mohammadi, Iran’s most prominent human rights activist.
Key Aspects of the Nobel Peace Prize and Venezuela’s Situation:
- A Secretive Selection Process: The Nobel committee maintains a highly confidential nomination process, accepting suggestions from thousands. The official list of 338 candidates this year (244 individuals and 94 organizations) remains secret, though some nominators publicize their choices. A five-person committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament makes the final, confidential decision.
- Escalating U.S.-Venezuela Tensions: Recent weeks have seen a rise in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Following President Trump’s statements about an armed conflict with drug cartels, his administration initiated military strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Some top aides are also advocating for the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from office. Marco Rubio, a long-time advocate for Machado, publicly supported her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize last year and praised her resilience and patriotism.
- Venezuela’s Unfair Elections: International observers have widely regarded Venezuela’s recent elections as unfair. In 2024, despite Ms. Machado’s ban from running, she was the driving force behind the main opposition candidate, Edmundo González. While an independent vote count suggested González had won decisively, the incumbent autocrat Nicolás Maduro declared victory. Less than a year later, Venezuela’s electoral council, loyal to Maduro, claimed an overwhelming victory in regional elections, which critics dismissed as a performance due to the absence of independent monitors.
- Trump’s Pursuit of the Prize: Former President Trump has openly coveted the Nobel Peace Prize for years, often publicly and privately lamenting not receiving the honor. While several figures, including leaders from Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia, reportedly nominated him, this year’s award focused on achievements in 2024, before his potential return to the White House. The Nobel committee has stated their decisions are based solely on Alfred Nobel’s principles, independent of public campaigns.
- Reflecting on Previous Laureates: The Nobel Peace Prize often shines a spotlight on critical global issues and courageous individuals. Nihon Hidankyo, last year’s recipient, dedicated their lives to sharing the harrowing experiences of atomic bomb survivors, advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons amidst rising international tensions. This exemplifies the prize’s historical commitment to recognizing those who strive for peace and human dignity against immense odds.