Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to advance democratic rights in Venezuela, the committee said.
“Oh my God … I have no words,” she said upon learning of the award.
Why the Nobel Committee recognised Machado’s pro-democracy campaign
The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited Machado’s “tireless work” to promote a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela.
Despite she was barred from running against President Nicolás Maduro in 2024 and went into hiding amid a crackdown on opponents.
Therefore, her selection signals support for nonviolent civic mobilisation in a country gripped by political repression and economic collapse, the committee said.
Trump offers congratulations as White House denounces the decision
Machado has acknowledged international backers and, according to reports, expressed gratitude for support from US President Donald Trump.
After the announcement, the White House communications director, Steven Cheung, criticised the Nobel Committee for placing “politics over peace,”.
Which reflects frustration that Trump who has repeatedly argued he deserves the honour was not chosen.
Laureate remains in hiding while Venezuela’s crisis reshapes the political stakes
In addition, the industrial engineer is a central figure for a opposition that claims the 2024 election was neither free nor fair.
Many of her advisers have been detained or forced into exile, and she has operated largely underground since last year.
Analysts say the Nobel could grant her added visibility and some protection while pressuring Caracas over human rights and electoral conditions ahead of future votes.
The prize will be formally presented in Oslo on Dec. 10.
