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4h ago

María Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize as Committee Stresses Independence

The panel said it honored her steadfast democratic activism in Venezuela, with the decision finalized before recent Gaza ceasefire developments.

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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures at a protest ahead of the Friday inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro for his third term, in Caracas, Venezuela January 9, 2025.
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Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

Overview

  • The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited Machado "for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela" and her push for a peaceful transition from Maduro’s rule.
  • Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said decisions are based on Alfred Nobel’s will and not lobbying or media pressure, noting the choice was made prior to the Gaza ceasefire announcement tied to U.S. diplomacy.
  • Machado, 58, has lived in hiding since 2024 after being barred from running against Nicolás Maduro, yet she remained in Venezuela despite threats and celebrated the award as a victory for Venezuelans.
  • President Trump had publicly campaigned for the prize and received several nominations; the White House criticized the selection as "politics over peace" after he was passed over.
  • The Nobel Institute opened a preliminary inquiry into unusual betting activity after odds on Machado surged hours before the announcement, and officials said security concerns could affect her travel to Oslo for the Dec. 10 ceremony.