Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

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 her peaceful struggle for a 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 1992, Machado co-founded Fundación Atenea, focusing on reintegrating at-risk children into society. She later co-founded Súmate, a civil organization dedicated to electoral transparency. From 2011 to 2014, she served as a deputy in the National Assembly, advocating for electoral integrity and civil liberties. Her tenure was cut short in 2014 when she was expelled amid political unrest. Despite facing political repression, including a 15-year ban from holding public office imposed in June 2023, Machado continued her activism, leading the opposition party Vente Venezuela and participating in protests against President Nicolás Maduro's government.

In January 2024, during a protest against Nicolás Maduro's inauguration, Machado was briefly detained by government forces. She re-emerged after months in hiding to lead demonstrations in Caracas, challenging the legitimacy of Maduro's presidency. The incident underscored the heightened political tensions and the risks faced by opposition leaders in Venezuela.

In March 2024, due to her political disqualification, Machado appointed Corina Yoris, an 80-year-old academic with no prior political experience, as her substitute presidential candidate. Yoris' candidacy faced obstacles, including registration issues imposed by authorities, reflecting the challenges opposition figures encounter in the Venezuelan political landscape.

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Machado elicited varied international responses. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated her and praised her work for democracy and peace. In a phone call, Machado expressed support for Israel, commending its efforts against Iran, which she labeled a common threat to both nations.

Conversely, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro criticized the award, referring to Machado as a "bruja demoníaca" (demonic witch) during a speech on October 12, 2025. He framed the Nobel Committee's decision as an external intervention in Venezuelan affairs, reinforcing his stance against foreign influence.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez refrained from commenting on the award, stating that he does not typically express opinions on Nobel Prizes. This neutrality drew criticism from various political sectors in Spain.

Machado's recognition by the Nobel Committee highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela and brings international attention to the country's political crisis. The award may galvanize opposition movements and increase pressure on the Maduro government to implement democratic reforms. However, it also risks deepening political divisions within Venezuela, as government supporters may view the recognition as foreign interference.

María Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication to democratic principles. The international community's recognition may influence Venezuela's political landscape and the broader fight for democracy in authoritarian regimes.