Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering fight to defend democracy and promote a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado for “keeping the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness,” calling her one of Latin America’s most courageous civilian leaders.

Machado, who has been in hiding since a disputed 2024 election, dedicated the award to “the suffering people of Venezuela” and thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his support.

Despite being barred from running in the election and facing government persecution, Machado continued to mobilize millions of Venezuelans for free and fair elections.

Her win comes amid worsening tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela and highlights the Nobel Committee’s message that democracy is essential for peace.

The award, which carries a US$1 million prize, will be presented in Oslo in December, though Machado’s attendance remains uncertain due to security concerns.