Machado, who faces a government-imposed travel ban, described the prize as “a recognition of the struggle for democracy and freedom” in a message read at the ceremony. She wrote that the honour belonged not only to Venezuela but to “all those fighting authoritarianism worldwide.” The Nobel Committee said it had been informed that Machado was “on her way” and might reach Oslo by night, though officials did not confirm her exact location for security reasons.
The committee awarded Machado the 2025 Peace Prize on October 10 for her efforts to restore democratic institutions in Venezuela. Her mother and three daughters attended the event, which also drew several Latin American leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei.
In her statement, Machado accused former president Hugo Chávez and current president Nicolás Maduro of dismantling democratic checks and steering the nation into authoritarian rule. She was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election despite winning opposition primaries, prompting her to support coalition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. Although the opposition claimed a clear victory, the Maduro administration refused to recognise the results, triggering widespread condemnation.
Machado has emerged as one of Venezuela’s most prominent dissidents over the past decade. She first gained national attention in 2012 after publicly challenging Chávez during a marathon parliamentary session, calling him a “thief” and demanding the return of confiscated property.
Her international recognition has grown steadily. Alongside the Nobel Peace Prize, she has received the 2024 Sakharov Prize, the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, the 2025 Courage Award, and a place on the BBC’s 100 Women list.
With political tensions deepening in Caracas, Machado’s absence in Oslo underscored the risks facing Venezuela’s opposition leadership even as global institutions acknowledge their struggle.
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