Maria Corina Machado wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize amid controversy
Venezuelan opposition leader honoured for “tireless struggle” for democracy, critics call award politically motivated
OSLO, Norway (MNTV) – Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her campaign for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday.
Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes described Machado as “a brave and committed champion of peace” who “keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst growing darkness.”
He said the 58-year-old meets all criteria set by Alfred Nobel for promoting peace and fraternity among nations.
Machado, who has lived in hiding since last year’s disputed Venezuelan election, said she was “in shock” after learning of the award.
The former presidential hopeful was barred from contesting the 2024 election despite winning the opposition primary.
Her replacement candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, is reportedly in exile.
A divisive figure in Venezuelan politics
A longtime critic of President Nicolas Maduro, Machado leads the opposition party Vente Venezuela and supports liberal economic reforms, including the privatisation of state enterprises.
She has endorsed international sanctions and previously advocated for foreign intervention to remove Maduro, drawing criticism from left-leaning groups.
The Nobel Committee acknowledged Machado’s continued presence in Venezuela “despite serious threats against her life,” calling it an inspiration for millions.
However, her selection sparked backlash from various commentators, who accused the committee of ignoring humanitarian figures in Gaza.
Al Jazeera journalist Dima Khatib criticised the decision, citing Machado’s ties to Israel’s Likud party and support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto called the award “a prize for Western politics, not peace.”
Machado becomes only the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize since 1901.
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