María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized her for 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 significant honor comes as Ms. Machado continues to live in hiding, having been a vocal challenger to the country’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro.
Ms. Machado rose from Venezuela’s political periphery to galvanize a powerful social movement, drawing thousands to the streets in support of democratic change. Her efforts came after years of political apathy, as the Maduro government suppressed protests, arrested dissidents, and triggered a massive exodus from the country. Despite building considerable momentum, Ms. Machado was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to alleged financial irregularities during her time as a national legislator. She subsequently endorsed another opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. While Mr. Maduro claimed victory in an election widely perceived as rigged, the opposition presented evidence suggesting Mr. González had won by a significant margin.
Upon receiving the news of her award, Ms. Machado, in a video shared by the Nobel committee, expressed profound humility. “This is an achievement of a whole society. I am just, you know, one person. I certainly do not deserve this,” she said, adding, “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.”
The Nobel committee’s decision was hailed by international legal scholars, with David Scheffer from Arizona State University describing Ms. Machado as a “courageous hero of peacemaking.” He noted her dedication to protecting her people against repression and atrocity, striving for a more peaceful and democratic world. The committee acknowledged the security risks associated with awarding the prize to someone in hiding but believed the recognition would bolster her cause.
This award places Ms. Machado among a distinguished group of female democracy campaigners honored with the Peace Prize. Past recipients include Iran’s Narges Mohammadi (2023) and Myanmar’s Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (1991), both of whom were imprisoned at the time of their recognition and remain so today, highlighting the perilous nature of their activism.
The selection process for the Nobel Peace Prize is highly secretive, with nominations coming from thousands of individuals. This year saw 338 candidates nominated. A five-person committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament makes the final, confidential decision, awarding the winner 11 million Swedish kroner (approximately $1.2 million).
The announcement of Ms. Machado’s win also sparked reactions on the international stage. An adviser to Ms. Machado revealed that her opposition movement has been in talks with the U.S. administration about strategies to counter Nicolás Maduro and dismantle criminal organizations in Venezuela, including plans for a power transfer following Maduro’s potential ouster. These discussions underscore escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, particularly after recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean targeting alleged drug smugglers and calls from U.S. officials to remove Mr. Maduro from office.
Notably, the prize announcement drew a sharp response from former President Trump’s White House communications director, who stated that the “Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” referencing Mr. Trump’s long-standing public and private desire for the award.