October 10, (THEWILL) — Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering campaign and steadfast defence of democracy in her country.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the decision on Friday, praising Machado for her “courage and dedication to peaceful democratic change” in Venezuela, where she has faced bans, arrests, and threats from the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
The decision elevates Machado as a beacon of opposition in Venezuela’s struggle against authoritarianism. The committee lauded her as “a brave and committed champion of peace — a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”
It described Machado as “a symbol of peaceful resistance and a voice for millions of Venezuelans striving for freedom.” It said her recognition was also a reminder of the growing global threat to democracy.
Highlighting her courage to stay in the country when many others went abroad, and her role in rallying opposition forces around a shared cause, the Committee said the award munderscores a broader global warning: democratic institutions are under strain worldwide, especially when power is concentrated and dissent suppressed.
It framed its choice not only as a recognition of Machado’s personal sacrifices but also as a message of solidarity with people confronting authoritarian regression.
“Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace … the Venezuelan regime’s rigid hold on power and its repression … are not unique in the world”, the statement reads.
Supporters across Venezuela celebrated the news, calling the award a morale boost for citizens struggling under economic hardship and political repression. Government-aligned media, however, criticised the decision, accusing foreign institutions of interference.
International leaders and rights groups welcomed the announcement, saying it highlights the resilience of Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.
Machado said in a statement that the prize “belongs to all Venezuelans who continue to fight for peace, justice, and freedom.”
The Nobel Peace Prize will be formally presented at a ceremony in Oslo on December 10, 2025.
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