Overview

• The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Oct. 11 named Machado the 2025 Peace Prize laureate for defending democratic rights and advocating a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
• Still in hiding since the disputed 2024 election, Machado said the “next prize will be Venezuela’s freedom” and told La Nación that Nicolás Maduro “has his days counted.”
• Venezuelan diaspora groups in the U.S. hailed the award as a boost to democratic efforts, and analysts said it could strengthen opposition credibility and increase international pressure on Maduro.
• Maduro derided her as “la Sayona,” claimed 90% repudiation, called for “peace with sovereignty,” and pro‑government supporters argued he deserved the prize instead.
• Criticism focused on Machado’s foreign alignments, including her 2018 letter to Benjamin Netanyahu and her dedication of the award to President Trump, as Colombia’s Gustavo Petro questioned the selection and debate expanded to U.S. Caribbean military moves that she supports.