The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan democratic opposition leader, for her sustained and courageous fight for human rights and free elections in her home country.

The committee announced its decision in Oslo, Norway, honoring Machado "for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." The prize recognizes her as an "extraordinary example of civilian courage in Latin America," working for the Venezuelan people's freedoms amidst immense personal risk and government repression.

Machado has been a central figure in challenging the authoritarian regime of President Nicolás Maduro. Despite being barred by the government from running in the last presidential election, she played a crucial role in unifying a historically fractured opposition. Her efforts helped rally support behind the coalition’s candidate, Edmundo González. The election period was marked by intense government crackdowns, disqualifications of opposition figures, arrests, and violent suppression of protests that resulted in over 20 deaths. The disputed outcome led to several countries severing diplomatic ties with Venezuela.

The Nobel committee commended Machado's resilience, noting that she has continued her activism while in hiding to escape threats and persecution.

Machado was one of 338 nominees for this year's prize. Another notable candidate was former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was nominated for his involvement in a proposed peace deal aimed at resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the committee ultimately chose to honor Machado's long-standing pro-democracy work.

The prestigious award includes a medal, a personal diploma, and a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor, which is approximately $1,156,395. The formal award ceremony will be held in Oslo.

This is not the first major international recognition for Machado. She and Edmundo González were previously awarded the European Union's top human rights award, the Sakharov Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize further cements her status as a leading global voice for peace and democracy in the face of authoritarianism.