Who is Maria Corina Machado, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Winner?

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the "Iron Lady" of Venezuela's pro-democracy struggle, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights" and efforts to achieve a "just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado, 58, as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times," noting she meets all criteria in Alfred Nobel's will for fostering fraternity between nations and promoting peace.

Announcing the winner in Oslo, Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said the award honors "a brave and committed champion of peace" who keeps "the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness." He added that Machado has united a divided opposition, resisted Venezuela's militarisation, and remained in hiding despite threats to her life, inspiring millions.

Machado reacted in shock via video to AFP, saying, "I’m in shock! My God!" while speaking to Edmundo González Urrutia, her proxy in the 2024 election after she was barred from running. González replied, "We’re shocked with joy."

Early Life and Entry into Politics

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas as the eldest of four daughters, Machado holds a degree in industrial engineering and a master's in finance. She entered politics in 2002 as co-founder of the volunteer group Súmate, which organised a 2004 recall referendum against then-President Hugo Chávez, accusing him of authoritarianism. This led to treason charges, death threats to her family, and sending her three children abroad for safety.

As founder of the opposition party Vente Venezuela, Machado campaigns for transparent democracy, liberal economic reforms like privatising state firms such as oil giant PDVSA, and welfare for the poor.

The 2024 Election and Exile

In 2023, Machado won Venezuela's opposition primary decisively, positioning her to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in 2024. However, Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal upheld a ban, citing her alleged support for US sanctions, corruption, and losses to state assets like Citgo refinery.

Her replacement, González, claimed victory based on tallies showing Maduro's defeat, but the regime rejected it. Machado went into hiding in Venezuela, briefly emerging for protests, including one in January 2025 where she was detained and released amid outcry.

Today, most of her senior advisers are detained or exiled, with González reportedly in Spain or touring Latin America. Maduro mocks her as "La Sayona," a vengeful folklore ghost.

Global Recognition

Machado shared the 2024 Sakharov Prize with González for defending freedom. Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House said Maduro will be furious, questioning if the Nobel sparks protests.

The committee hopes the award supports her cause without limiting it, amid declining democracies worldwide. PRIO Director Nina Graeger called it a "prize for democracy," highlighting Machado's election observer work.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a former advocate, congratulated her. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung criticised the committee for "politics over peace," after Trump's public campaign for the prize.

Machado, the 20th woman among 143 laureates since 1901, embodies peaceful resistance. The committee noted her steadfastness despite threats, inspiring Venezuelans in a humanitarian and economic crisis.

Whether she can attend the December 10 ceremony in Oslo—joining laureates like Andrei Sakharov (1975) who couldn't—is uncertain due to risks.