BREAKING: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado for her relentless advocacy for democratic rights and her pivotal role in the fight against dictatorship in Venezuela. The Nobel Committee made the announcement this morning, describing Machado as “a brave and committed champion of peace.”
The committee emphasized that Machado’s award highlights the urgent struggle for democracy, stating, “Democracy is in retreat internationally,” with increasing authoritarianism threatening global peace. This crucial recognition of Machado’s work comes at a time when the Venezuelan regime continues to suppress dissent and undermine democratic values.
Machado, who has a rich background in engineering and finance, founded the Atenea Foundation in 1992, focusing on supporting street children in Caracas. She has been a key figure in promoting free and fair elections through the organization Súmate, which she helped establish. Her political journey includes being elected to the National Assembly in 2010, where she achieved a record number of votes, before her expulsion in 2014 by the regime. Leading the Vente Venezuela opposition party, she also co-founded the Soy Venezuela alliance in 2017, uniting pro-democracy forces across political lines.
The official award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, 2025, in Oslo, Norway. The Nobel Committee reiterated the importance of democracy as a prerequisite for lasting peace, noting, “We live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence.”
Machado’s recognition is particularly significant given the increasing number of authoritarian regimes globally, with the committee highlighting the alarming trend of silencing free media and imprisoning critics. Despite more elections held in 2024 than ever before, the quality of these elections in terms of fairness is declining.
In a powerful statement, the Nobel Committee remarked, “Maria Corina Machado meets all three criteria stated in Alfred Nobel’s will for the selection of a Peace Prize laureate.” They praised her unyielding commitment to peaceful transition and her leadership in uniting Venezuela’s opposition.
Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Japanese anti-nuclear weapons group Nihon Hidankyo, reflecting the committee’s ongoing commitment to recognizing significant struggles for peace worldwide. This year’s selection of Machado from 338 candidates underscores the growing recognition of the fight for democracy in Venezuela and beyond.
As the world watches, the implications of this award extend beyond Venezuela’s borders, marking a hopeful moment for advocates of democracy everywhere. Stay tuned for further updates as the global community reacts to this critical development.
