The Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to María Corina Machado on October 10. A major opposition figure in Venezuela. She is rewarded for her recent actions: promoting democratic rights, confronting authoritarianism, and pushing for a peaceful transition in a country in crisis. In struggle, in danger, but determined, she has lived in hiding since the contested re-election of Nicolás Maduro in July 2024.
María Corina Machado face to the censorship
In October 2023María Corina Machado wins with an overwhelming majority the Venezuelan opposition primaries organized in preparation for the 2024 presidential election. She obtains more than 90% of the votes according to official results. This massive victory gives him very strong popular legitimacy. It symbolizes the unification of a divided opposition around a clear voice for democratic change.
But despite this success, María Corina Machado is struck byineligibility. In January 2024the Supreme Court of Venezuela confirms a decision that prevents him from exercising any public function for 15 yearsmaking any application impossible. This ineligibility is based on accusations of “corruption”, “treason” Or “administrative irregularities”particularly linked to its support for international sanctions against the regime of the current president, Nicolás Maduro. Many voices consider these accusations to be politically motivated, and María Corina Machado firmly rejects them.
At the same time, the Supreme Court ordered the suspension of effects of the primary, stating that there are irregularities in the process. This judgment comes after the opposition has already nominated María Corina Machado as its nominated candidate. Venezuelan justice blocks the democratic outcome of this internal opposition vote. As a result, María Corina Machado cannot appear officially in the 2024 presidential election. She ends up nominating another candidate, to replace her candidacy, in order to meet the deadlines for official registration.
Stay despite repression and threats
Since the contested re-election of Nicolas Maduro in July 2024María Corina Machado entered a phase of clandestinity. Fearing for his life, his freedom, but also for the safety of his loved ones. She chose to not leaving Venezuela despite the risksthus consolidating his image as a resistant leader in the face of power.
This clandestinity results in maneuvers of concealmentof stealthy movements and brief appearances to mobilize crowds.
Among the most notable episodes, she denounced a kidnapping arbitrary on January 9. Officers intercepted her on a motorcycle, forced her to record a video under duress, then released her.
His political opponent and the government accuse him of threats of “corruption”“subversive activity”, or “crimes” miscellaneous. Accusations that many describe as pretexts to prevent him from speaking out or running for office. She also said that regime agents surrounded his mother’s house in Caracas, flew over the neighborhood with drones, set up roadblocks, and interrupted the electricity supply, as methods of intimidation
Despite all this, Maria Corina Machado continues to speak publicly, mobilize, and call for demonstrations. She also brings together those who demand free elections and the restoration of democratic institutions. This refusal of exile, this exposed persistence, considerably strengthens its credibilityé not only in Venezuela, but on the international scene. And it is precisely this courage in action which is part of the reasons why the Nobel committee chose it.
International support for the peaceful struggle for democracy
María Corina Machado played a central role in reunification of a long divided opposition, by refocusing the political debate on clear demands. She defends, free electionsrecognition of results, and separation of powers. It has become a rallying point for all those who aspire to a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela.
Even before the Nobel, she had already been rewarded in 2024 with two major international distinctions: the Sakharov Prizeawarded by the European Parliament, and the Václav Havel Prizeawarded by the Council of Europe. Two awards which recognize his commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The attribution of Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado in 2025 therefore sends a strong message: that of a clear support of the international community to the nonviolent struggle for democracyin a global context marked by the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Featured image source: Screenshot showing Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado during an interview with AFP via Zoom in Caracas, May 15, 2025
afp.com/AFP VIDEOGRAPHICS
