Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her decades-long struggle against authoritarianism, fearless defense of democracy and her bold moral leadership in a country racked by crisis.
Known as “Venezuela’s ‘Iron Lady,’” Machado has been in hiding for more than 14 months after refusing to bow out after Nicolás Maduro declared victory in a US- and EU-criticized election.
“The Nobel Peace Prize of 2025 goes to a brave and committed champion of peace. To a woman who keeps the flame of democracy glowing amid a growing darkness,” Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told reporters at the announcement.
“As the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Maria Carina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.”
Frydnes described Machado as a “key unifying figure and a political opposition that was once deeply divided.”
The US and most Venezuelans, according to a recent survey, do not recognize Maduro’s leadership as legitimate after he stole the past two elections.
Machado, in the face of disqualifications, threats, and forced silence, has persisted — pushing for free elections, mobilizing citizens, exposing human rights abuses and serving as the moral conscience of her country.
Though underground, she has continued to work for free elections, rule of law and accountability in Caracas as the government has restricted political rights, illegitimately disqualified opposition candidates and brutally cracked down on dissent.
Frydnes said Machado met all three conditions in Alfred Nobel’s will for a peace prize winner: fraternity between nations, abolition or reduction of standing armies and promotion of peace.
“Maria Carina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace. She embodies the hope of a different future, one where the fundamental rights of citizens are protected and their voices are heard,” Frydnes said.
Machado, who has been living in hiding for 14 months, has remained in the country despite the threat from Maduro’s regime.
“In the past year. Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions,” Frydnes said.
“When authoritarians seize power it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,” he added. “Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent. Who dare to step forward despite great risk and who remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted, but must always be defended with words, courage and with determination.”
While rumors were abound that President Trump could win the prize after ending multiple conflicts this year — including the groundbreaking Gaza cease-fire deal approved Thursday night — the 2025 prize nomination deadline passed on Jan. 31.
Any nominations Trump has received following his accomplishments this year will be considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
“We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what — for them — leads to peace,” Nobel Peace Prize Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said Friday.
“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates. That room is filled with both courage and integrity. We base only our decision on the work and will of Alfred Nobel.”
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