Maria Corina Machado led the struggle for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. Learn how she courageously stood up to authoritarianism and earned the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2025 has been announced. This year, this prestigious honor has been given to Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela. She has been awarded this prize for her contributions to peacebuilding, protecting democracy, and reducing global conflicts. The Nobel Committee announced this year’s winner at a press conference held in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Thus, US President Donald Trump’s dream of winning the Nobel Prize remained unfulfilled.
According to the Nobel Prize website, Maria Corina Machado has led the struggle for democracy in Venezuela against the ever-increasing pressure of the ruling party. In 1992, she founded the Atenea Foundation, which works for the welfare of homeless children in Caracas.
Maria Corina Machado’s studies
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan engineer, social activist, and prominent politician. She studied engineering and finance and began her career in business, but soon chose social service and politics to make a difference in the lives of her countrymen.
Beginning of public service and the Atenea Foundation
Maria Corina Machado founded the Atenea Foundation in 1992. This organization works to provide education and welfare to homeless and needy children in Caracas. Through this foundation, Machado established her identity in the field of social reform.
Sumate organization and the fight for democracy
In 2002, she co-founded Súmate, an organization that works for free and fair elections. It trains voters and monitors the electoral process. Her popularity grew when she was elected to the Venezuelan National Assembly in 2010 with a record majority. However, in 2014, the government removed her from office for her advocacy for democracy and freedom. This move made Machado a symbol of democracy in the country and around the world.
Vente Venezuela and opposition unity
Maria Corina Machado is a prominent leader of the opposition party Vente Venezuela. In 2017, she helped found the Soy Venezuela coalition, which aimed to unite all pro-democracy groups and work toward political change.
2024 elections and Machado’s candidacy
In 2023, he announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, but the government barred him from running. Despite this, he supported opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who became a symbol of solidarity and change among the public.
Fight for democracy and peaceful movement
When the Venezuelan government claimed victory, Machado and the opposition parties systematically documented the opposition’s position to prove that the real victor was the opposition. They continued their fight peacefully and democratically. The international community hailed this as an example of courage and restraint.
Honor from the Nobel Committee
In its statement, the Nobel Committee said that Maria Corina Machado demonstrated that democracy is not just the right to vote, but a relentless commitment to the defense of freedom and truth. The Committee acknowledged that Machado advanced the culture of nonviolent movement and dialogue in Venezuela. Her commitment offered new hope for democracy in Latin America.