Venezuelan opposition leader awarded Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO, Norway — On Friday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her long-term struggle to achieve a democratic transition. The former presidential candidate was cited as a woman "who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness."

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, called Machado a “key, unifying figure” in the opposition to President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

“In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding,” Watne Frydnes said. “Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”

“This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve,” Machado said in a call with the Norwegian Nobel Institute. “I am just part of a huge movement ... I’m humbled, I’m grateful, and I’m honored not only by this recognition, but I’m honored to be part of what’s going on in Venezuela today.

“I believe that we are very close to achieving, finally, freedom for our country and peace for the region,” she said, adding that “even though we face the most brutal violence, our society has resisted” and insisted on struggling by peaceful means. “I believe that the world will now understand how urgent it is to finally, you know, succeed.”

Machado, 58, was set to run against Maduro in last year’s presidential election, but was disqualified from running by the Maduro government. Widespread voter suppression, arrests, and human rights violations marred the election.