Overview
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it honored Machado for her unremitting defense of Venezuelans’ democratic rights and her push for a just, peaceful transition from authoritarian rule.
- Machado, a longtime opposition leader to Nicolás Maduro, was barred from the 2024 presidential race and has been operating in hiding as the opposition later rallied behind Edmundo González Urrutia, whom observers said won the vote.
- Machado dedicated the award to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Donald Trump, and Trump said she phoned to tell him of the dedication.
- The White House criticized the decision as placing “politics over peace,” while European officials, including Germany’s chancellor and the EU Commission president, publicly congratulated Machado.
- The Nobel Institute said it is investigating unusual pre-announcement betting on Polymarket that suddenly favored Machado, raising concerns about a possible leak or betting fraud.