2025 Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Venezuelan Opposition Female Activist

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2025-10-11

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The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was announced on the 10th of October and was awarded to 58-year-old Venezuelan opposition leader **María Corina Machado**, in recognition of her being a "brave and mission-driven woman" dedicated to helping the people of Venezuela fight for their democratic rights and for her tireless struggle for democracy.

Machado, a member of the opposition party, ran for president in 2024 but was disqualified by the Supreme Court. She ultimately supported an alternative candidate, **González**. However, after the incumbent president **Nicolás Maduro** declared re-election and González was forced into exile in Spain, Machado chose to remain in the country. Despite the harsh political climate and constant surveillance, she went into hiding and continued her fight for Venezuela’s freedom.

The Nobel Committee stated that Machado inspired millions, uniting deeply divided opposition parties and fostering consensus, all while promoting the common goal of “free elections and popular sovereignty.” This, they noted, is the essence of democracy—and particularly valuable in an era when democratic values are under threat worldwide. Nobel Committee Chair **Berit Reiss-Andersen** emphasized that the selection was based on Nobel’s will: "on courage and integrity, not political lobbying or media attention."

Upon learning she had won, Machado admitted she was shocked, and quickly thanked the committee, saying: *“This is an achievement of an entire society. I am just one person—I am absolutely unworthy.”*

In response to former U.S. President **Donald Trump** not receiving the prize, White House spokesperson **Steven Cheung** commented on social media that the committee had “once again proven they prioritize politics over peace,” and emphasized that Trump would continue to work toward peace and ending wars.