In its statement, the Committee noted that at a time when authoritarianism is rising and democracy is under threat globally, the courage of individuals like Machado brings hope.
“Democracy is the foundation of lasting peace. When power silences people through violence and fear, it becomes essential to honor such brave defenders,” the Committee declared.
Machado, founder of the pro-democracy organization Sumate, has long advocated for free and fair elections in Venezuela. She will receive 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately ₹10.3 crore), along with a gold medal and certificate, at the award ceremony in Oslo on December 10.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had been a contender for several months, was not chosen for the award.
A Lifetime of Defiance
For over two decades, Machado has been a central figure in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement. She first gained worldwide attention on January 14, 2012, when she interrupted then-President Hugo Chávez’s 9-hour-long parliamentary speech, accusing him of theft and demanding the return of confiscated property. Her fearless act made her a symbol of resistance and established her reputation as one of Venezuela’s most courageous political voices.
Awards and Recognition
Machado’s global recognition extends beyond the Nobel Peace Prize.
- 2025 Courage Award – Geneva Summit for Human Rights (shared with Edmundo González)
- 2024 Sakharov Prize – Awarded by the European Parliament for defending democracy
- 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – From the Council of Europe
- 2018 BBC 100 Women – Named among the world’s most influential women
The “Iron Lady” of Venezuela
Often called the “Iron Lady of Venezuela,” Machado has unified a once-divided opposition to challenge President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule. Despite death threats and persecution, she continues to live in hiding within Venezuela, inspiring millions by refusing to leave the country.
Machado was the opposition’s presidential candidate before the 2024 elections, but her candidacy was revoked by the government. She later backed Edmundo González Urrutia, whose coalition won a clear victory, though the Maduro regime refused to recognize the results.
Why the Nobel Committee Chose Her
The Committee said Machado fulfilled all three Nobel Peace Prize criteria —
1. She united the opposition,
2. Opposed militarization, and
3. Promoted democracy and peaceful change.
Her work has given Venezuelans hope for a free and democratic future, where human rights and civil liberties are respected.
A Country in Crisis
The Nobel citation described Venezuela as a nation that has descended from democracy into dictatorship, suffering severe economic and humanitarian collapse. Nearly 8 million people have fled the country, while those who remain face poverty, repression, and state violence. Machado’s courage, the Committee said, makes her “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian resistance in modern Latin America.”
Trump’s Missed Shot at the Nobel
Despite being nominated by eight countries, including Pakistan, Israel, the U.S., Armenia, Azerbaijan, Malta, and Cambodia, Donald Trump did not make the final cut. The nomination deadline for the 2025 prize was January 31, just 11 days after Trump took office, which weakened his eligibility.
While Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan earned praise, experts said it came too late to influence this year’s decision. Nobel Committee member Nina Greger commented that Trump’s role in the ceasefire “may strengthen his case next year if peace holds.”
Global Reactions
- The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) called for the Peace Prize to be named after Trump, lauding his role in the Gaza ceasefire.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu shared a photo of himself presenting a mock Nobel to Trump, calling him a “worthy candidate.”
- Russia’s Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow would support awarding Trump the prize but mocked the idea of giving it to a leader “sending weapons while preaching peace.”
A Historic Year for the Nobel
For the first time in 125 years, media outlets including the BBC and a Norwegian channel were allowed inside the Nobel Peace Committee’s deliberations.
Five members, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, gathered at the Nobel Institute in Oslo to review Alfred Nobel’s will, which specifies that the Peace Prize should go to someone who:
- Promotes friendship among nations,
- Works to reduce war, and
- Encourages peaceful negotiations.
After discussion, the doors were closed and the historic decision to honor Maria Corina Machado was made.
Background: Nobel Peace Prize Facts
- Established in 1895, first awarded in 1901.
- Awarded 141 times between 1901 and 2024, honoring 111 individuals and 30 organizations.
- Mahatma Gandhi was nominated five times but never won; the 1948 prize was left unawarded following his assassination.
- Previous Indian laureates include Mother Teresa (1979) and Kailash Satyarthi (2014).
The next major announcement — the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics — is scheduled for October 13 at 3:15 PM (IST).
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