The 2025 winner of the pNobel Peace Prize winner, María Corina Machado, will not participate in the official ceremony in Oslo this Wednesday, December 10, 2025. But why?
Determined to defend democracy Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado was designated “ example of civil courage » by the Nobel committee, for its commitment to a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule. But, a few hours before the ceremony, some surprising news comes. The mystery surrounds his presence in Oslo. It is not present in the Norwegian capital. And the spokesperson for the Noble institution confirmed that she would not be able to go on stage. However, someone will still come and collect the prize.
Also read: Who is María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize winner?
A confirmed absence
Tuesday December 9, 2025an announced press conference with María Corina Machado was postponed, then canceled. Enough to raise some concerns. The next day, Wednesday December 10, the day of the ceremony, news appeared in the morning. The organization in charge of the Nobel has officially announced thatshe will not go to the ceremony. The spokesperson for the institute, Erik Aasheim declared to AFP: “ She doesn’t come to the ceremony. »
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At 58, the Venezuelan opponent has been living for months in the clandestinity. Fleeing legal proceedings initiated by the regime Nicolas Maduro. In this context, leaving the country to go to Norway could have led to her being arrested as a “ fugitive “. The director of the Nobel InstituteKristian Berg Harpviken, declared on radio NRK: “ I just don’t know where it is exactly.. »
Why can’t María Corina Machado go?
From the 2024 presidential electionwhich she denounced as fraudulent, María Corina Machado was prevented from running. Shortly after, she began living in the clandestinity. Surrender in Oslo in 2025under these conditions, would mean risk arrest and therefore lose his freedom. The Venezuelan prosecution clearly warned her: if she left the territoryit would be considered as “ fugitive“.
While she is accused according to the president of “acts of conspiracy, incitement to hatred and terrorism“. Michael Shifter, associate professor at Georgetown University, specialist in South America, mentioned for the Courrier international: “ Certainly, it will be difficult for Machado to lead the opposition in exile. But it will also not be easy to do so while remaining in the country (when) the majority of Venezuelans face desperate economic and humanitarian conditions and increased repression from the Maduro regime“,
The invisibility of María Corina Machado for months
María Corina Machado’s last public appearance was a long time ago. January 9, 2025during a demonstration in Caracas. Since then, she has not been seen anywhere and her whereabouts remain unknown. The uncertainty surrounding his fate led the Nobel Institute to give up the idea, considered too riskyhand delivery of the prize. Under these conditions, the prospect of seeing her take the stage in Oslo was improbable.
Also read: Why does the EU not recognize the results of the presidential election in Venezuela?
The prize will still be received
According to official information from the Nobel Institute, she is the daughter of María Corina Machado, Ana Corina Machadowho will receive the prize on his behalf in Oslo. She will pronounce the acceptance speech prepared by his mother. Several members of his family (including his mother) are good in Oslo, but not the winner. The ceremony will take place this Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. (12 p.m. GMT) at Oslo City Hall.
