Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless fight to restore democracy in her country.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, praising her courage and leadership in defending human rights under an authoritarian regime.
Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer, has been one of the strongest voices against President Nicolás Maduro’s rule.
She was barred from contesting Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election by the country’s courts, a move widely condemned as politically motivated.
Forced into hiding, Machado has continued to rally global attention to Venezuela’s democratic struggle.
In its citation, the Nobel Committee described Machado as “a courageous defender of freedom who stood firm against oppression.”
The committee said her recognition serves as a reminder that “when authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to honour those who resist.”
The announcement comes at a politically charged time. U.S. President Donald Trump, whose recent Gaza peace initiative has drawn international headlines, had publicly expressed hopes of winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
However, experts had earlier dismissed his chances, arguing that his foreign policies often clashed with the values the Nobel Committee promotes.
The committee clarified that the decision to honour Machado was made before the announcement of Trump’s ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas earlier this week.
Machado’s victory has sparked celebrations among Venezuelans and democracy advocates worldwide.
Many view the award as a powerful message to authoritarian governments and a boost to pro-democracy movements across Latin America.
Maria Corina Machado has long been a thorn in the side of the Maduro administration.
She has led numerous peaceful protests calling for free elections, the release of political prisoners, and an end to widespread corruption.
Her supporters see the Nobel recognition as a global endorsement of her movement’s legitimacy.
The Nobel Peace Prize, valued at 11 million Swedish crowns (about $1.2 million), will be formally presented in Oslo on December 10 — the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Machado joins a list of historic figures honoured for promoting peace and democracy, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Despite living in secrecy, Machado released a brief message through her spokesperson, saying, “This prize belongs to every Venezuelan who refuses to give up on freedom.”