Maria Corina Machado is this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Venezuelan opposition leader was recognized for "her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy," stated the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
© AFP via Getty ImagesMachado was part of a list that contained 338 candidates, with her name read out on October 10th, in a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. The committee stated that Machado was "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times."
The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony will be hosted on December 10th. It's unknown if Machado will be able to attend, considering that she's currently in hiding in Venezuela, a process that began last year, after the country's complicated presidential elections
"Everyone in Venezuela is afraid of losing our freedom or even our lives,” said Machado to CNN. “But above all we are committed to make the truth prevail… and get a transition to democracy peacefully.”
© AFP via Getty ImagesMachado's reaction to the honor
In a video of Machado receiving the news of her award, she seemed shocked by the recognition, dedicating it to the Venezuelan people. "Oh my God, I have no words," she said in Spanish. "I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this."
Machado credited the recognition as an achievement for Venezuelan society.
"I'm still processing the news. This is something that Venezuela deserves. I'm just part of a huge movement. I feel honored and grateful. It's been a long road with a heavy cost, and for many years, the world hadn't seen how hard this process has been. I think we're close to achieving freedom and peace in our country. We're not there yet, we're working very hard to get there, and I'm sure that we'll win. This is the biggest recognition for our people."
© Getty ImagesMachado, 58, has a career of over 20 years in politics. Throughout her career, she's played key roles in numerous organizations and movements, including the formation of the Atenea Foundation, which provides aid to kids living in poverty in Caracas, and the movement Sumate, a voter's rights group that stood in opposition to former President Hugo Chavez.
In 2024, Machado ran for president and was blocked by the government. She pivoted, supporting the opposition's candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Following the elections, Maduro claimed he'd won, but Machado and her followers stated the opposite, gathering evidence that showed that Gonzalez had won the elections by a large margin.
© Getty Images
