Oslo 10th October 2025: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless struggle to restore democracy and defend human rights in Venezuela, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.
Machado, a key figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, was recognised for her “tireless efforts toward achieving a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to democracy.” The Committee noted that despite facing persecution, bans, and imprisonment of supporters, Machado continued to advocate non-violence and free elections.
Announcing the award in Oslo, the Nobel Committee said Machado’s courage and perseverance “embody the global struggle for freedom and democratic values.”
Machado, 57, has long been a vocal critic of Venezuela’s ruling regime. She founded the political movement Vente Venezuela and has been a leading voice calling for fair elections and international solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
The Peace Prize will be formally presented in Oslo on December 10, 2025, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The award carries a cash prize of 9 million Swedish kronor (around USD 820,000), a gold medal, and a diploma.
This year’s award underscores the growing global attention on democratic movements in Latin America and the power of peaceful political resistance.
