The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan political leader recognized for her unwavering fight for democracy and human rights in her country. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her as “a brave and committed champion of peace” who continues to keep “the flame of democracy burning amid growing darkness.”
According to the Nobel Committee, Machado received the award for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her peaceful struggle to achieve a transition from dictatorship to democracy.
“As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times,” the Committee said in its statement issued on October 10, 2025.
Machado has played a key role in uniting Venezuela’s once deeply divided opposition. Her leadership helped different political groups find common ground in their shared demand for free and fair elections — a principle she believes is central to democracy.
At a time when democratic values are under threat around the world, the Nobel Committee highlighted the importance of defending the “common ground” of freedom and popular rule, even in the face of deep political differences.
Once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, Venezuela has over the years descended into authoritarian rule and economic collapse. Millions of citizens now live in deep poverty, while political repression, election rigging, and the silencing of dissent have become widespread.
Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country in search of safety and opportunity, while those who remain face political persecution and economic hardship.
Machado’s Fight for Democracy
Machado first rose to prominence more than two decades ago when she co-founded Súmate, a civic organization dedicated to defending democracy and electoral transparency. Reflecting on her decision to join the movement, she once said, “It was a choice of ballots over bullets.”
Her career has since been marked by relentless advocacy for judicial independence, human rights, and representative governance. Despite being banned from running in the 2024 presidential election, she threw her support behind Edmundo González Urrutia, who represented the opposition.
Thousands of volunteers from across Venezuela joined forces to monitor the election process, documenting vote counts and exposing irregularities. Their findings showed that the opposition had won, but the ruling regime refused to recognize the results and clung to power.
Over the past year, Machado has reportedly lived in hiding, facing constant threats to her life. Despite the danger, she has chosen to remain in Venezuela — a decision that has inspired millions at home and abroad.
The Nobel Committee said her courage and determination are a powerful reminder that democracy depends on individuals who “refuse to stay silent and who step forward despite grave risk.”
In its citation, the Committee noted that Machado meets all three of Alfred Nobel’s criteria for the Peace Prize: she has united her country’s opposition, opposed militarization, and promoted peaceful political change.
Her actions, the Committee said, demonstrate that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace.
Maria Corina Machado’s recognition comes at a time when many nations are witnessing democratic backsliding and authoritarian resurgence. Her struggle reflects a broader fight for freedom and justice in regions where citizens face repression and loss of voice.
Through her courage, Machado represents the hope of a future where Venezuelans can live freely, enjoy their fundamental rights, and participate in shaping their nation’s destiny.
“Freedom must never be taken for granted,” the Nobel Committee said, “but must always be defended — with words, with courage, and with determination.”
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