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Though somewhat unexpected, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has chosen to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, a tireless champion of democracy in Venezuela. Peace is not simply the absence of war; it is a lived practice, reflected in how we treat others, the empathy we show, and the love we extend. True peacemakers do more than speak—they forge connections, build bridges, and inspire action. Maria Corina Machado exemplifies this ethos, transforming the instruments of democracy into beacons of hope and resilience for her country.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Ms. 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.” This acknowledgment is a testament to decades of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to human dignity.
As the leader of Venezuela’s democracy movement, Maria Corina Machado stands as one of Latin America’s most remarkable examples of civilian courage in recent times. She has become a unifying figure in a fragmented opposition, forging consensus around the demand for free elections and representative government. Her work illustrates the essence of democracy: a shared commitment to principles even amidst disagreement. In a world where democracy is increasingly under threat, her leadership is a timely reminder that defending freedom requires both resolve and collective effort.
Venezuela’s descent from a relatively prosperous democracy into an authoritarian state has been swift and brutal. Today, most Venezuelans live in dire poverty while a few elites continue to amass wealth. State violence is systematically used against the citizenry, and nearly eight million people have fled the country. The opposition faces constant suppression through election rigging, legal persecution, and imprisonment. In such a climate, political activism is not just difficult—it is dangerous.
Ms. Machado has been at the forefront of these struggles for more than two decades. As a co-founder of Súmate, an organization dedicated to monitoring elections and fostering democratic development, she advocated early on for “ballots over bullets.” Her efforts extended from political office to civil society, championing judicial independence, human rights, and representative governance. Ahead of Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, her candidacy was blocked by the regime. Undeterred, she backed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers to serve as election observers and safeguard transparency. Citizens risked harassment, arrest, and torture to ensure the integrity of the vote, demonstrating that peaceful, collective action can challenge authoritarian control.
The global significance of this prize extends beyond Venezuela. Democracy, the precondition for lasting peace, is retreating worldwide. Authoritarian regimes increasingly suppress free media, manipulate elections, and silence dissent. The courage of individuals like Maria Corina Machado reminds us that freedom is neither inevitable nor easily preserved; it requires vigilance, moral courage, and active participation.
In its long history, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has honored those who confront repression and carry the flame of freedom despite personal risk. Ms. Machado has faced threats to her life and has been forced into hiding, yet she remains in her homeland—a symbol of resilience and steadfast commitment. Her presence in Venezuela serves as a living testament to the power of peaceful resistance and civic engagement.
Maria Corina Machado meets the three criteria set forth in Alfred Nobel’s will for the Peace Prize: she has strengthened democratic forces, resisted militarization and authoritarianism, and pursued a peaceful transition to democracy. Her work demonstrates that democracy is not only a political system but also a practice of empathy, inclusion, and shared responsibility—the foundation of lasting peace.
Her reaction to the announcement underscores both humility and collective spirit. When Kristian Berg Harpviken, Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, called to inform her, Ms. Machado responded, “Oh my God… I have no words… I am just part of a huge movement. I’m humbled, I’m grateful, and I’m honored. I certainly do not deserve this on my own.” She emphasized that the recognition belongs as much to the Venezuelan people as to her, acknowledging the countless citizens risking their lives for freedom, justice, and peace.
In a follow-up interview, Ms. Machado reflected on the journey: “It has been a very long struggle at a very high cost for Venezuelan society. For many years, the world didn’t fully grasp how difficult and painful this process had been. But the Venezuelan people persevered. I believe we are very close to finally achieving freedom for our country and peace for the region. Even under the most brutal violence, our society has insisted on civic and peaceful means. I believe the world will now understand the urgency of our cause, not just for Venezuela, but for Latin America and the hemisphere.”
Maria Corina Machado’s career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, civic leadership, and moral courage. Born in 1967 in Venezuela, she trained in engineering and finance before founding the Atenea Foundation to support street children in Caracas. She later co-founded Súmate, monitoring elections to ensure democratic integrity. Elected to the National Assembly in 2010, she was expelled in 2014 due to her opposition stance. She leads Vente Venezuela, co-founded the Soy Venezuela alliance, and ran for president in 2024. Throughout her career, she has consistently championed democracy amid extraordinary risks.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize reminds the world that peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is an active commitment to justice, human rights, and solidarity. In a time when authoritarianism, violence, and division threaten the global order, Maria Corina Machado exemplifies how courage, compassion, and civic engagement can sustain hope. She has shown that even under extreme adversity, individuals can foster change, build bridges, and protect the dignity of their fellow citizens.
As we celebrate this year’s laureate, the message is clear: peace is cultivated daily through action, empathy, and moral courage. Maria Corina Machado is more than a symbol of Venezuelan resistance; she is a global inspiration, demonstrating that democracy and peace are inseparable, and that even in the darkest times, human resilience and solidarity can illuminate the path toward a just and peaceful world.
