Maria Corina Machado Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for Efforts in Venezuela

On October 10, 2025, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, for her unwavering efforts to promote democratic rights and advocate for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela, Machado is the eldest of four daughters to Henrique Machado Zuloaga, a steel industry businessman, and Corina Parisca, a psychologist. She earned a degree in industrial engineering from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and a master's in finance from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) in Caracas.

In 2001, Machado co-founded Súmate, a civil organization dedicated to promoting electoral transparency and citizen participation. Her political career advanced when she was elected to the National Assembly in 2010, representing the state of Miranda. However, in 2014, amid escalating political tensions, she was expelled from the Assembly by the Maduro regime.

Despite facing significant political persecution, including disqualification from the 2024 presidential election and threats to her safety, Machado remained a steadfast advocate for democratic principles. In March 2024, she appointed Corina Yoris, an 80-year-old academic, as her substitute presidential candidate after being barred from running. Yoris, however, faced obstacles in registering her candidacy, leading to further complications for the opposition.

In January 2025, after months in hiding, Machado re-emerged to lead protests against Nicolás Maduro's inauguration. During these demonstrations, she was briefly detained and later released, underscoring the risks faced by opposition leaders in Venezuela.

The Nobel Committee highlighted Machado's role as a unifying figure in the Venezuelan opposition, emphasizing her courage and commitment to democratic ideals amid a challenging political landscape.

International reactions to her award have been mixed. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez refrained from commenting on the Nobel decision, stating, "Nunca me pronuncio sobre los Nobel ni entro a valorarlo" ("I never comment on the Nobels nor do I enter into evaluating it"). In contrast, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro criticized Machado, referring to her as a "bruja demoníaca" ("demonic witch") during a speech on October 12, 2025.

Machado's Nobel Peace Prize brings international attention to the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela and underscores the global community's support for peaceful political change. It also highlights the challenges faced by opposition leaders in authoritarian regimes and the importance of international recognition in legitimizing their efforts.

María Corina Machado's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize serves as a significant milestone in the global recognition of Venezuela's pro-democracy efforts. Her journey reflects the resilience and determination of those who continue to advocate for democratic principles in the face of adversity.