Venezuelan democracy champion Maria Corina Machado wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Zuko Komisa

Maria Corina Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless commitment to democratic rights and her struggle for a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela.
The Committee recognised her for her extraordinary civilian courage and success in unifying the political opposition in their demand for free and fair elections.
Despite being blocked from running for President and facing serious threats, Ms Machado has remained in Venezuela, inspiring millions and standing as a global symbol of resistance to authoritarianism.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, recognising her as a “brave and committed champion of peace” and an “extraordinary example of civilian courage.”

Ms Machado, the pre-eminent leader of Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, is honoured for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her commitment to a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

The Committee specifically highlighted her success in unifying the political opposition around the demand for free elections.

Despite Venezuela’s severe authoritarian regime and humanitarian crisis, Ms Machado has continued her struggle.

Although blocked from running as the opposition’s presidential candidate in 2024, she backed an alternative candidate and mobilised hundreds of thousands of volunteers.

The Committee noted that, despite facing “serious threats against her life,” she has remained in the country, often in hiding, a choice that has inspired millions.

The award celebrates her unwavering defence of freedom, judicial independence, and popular representation, demonstrating that “the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace.”