The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s prominent opposition leader, currently in hiding, dashing the hopes of US President Donald Trump, who had claimed he deserved the prize for resolving “eight wars.”
Machado, often referred to as Venezuela’s Iron Lady for her relentless advocacy for democratic rights, was also named in Time Magazine’s ‘The 100 Most Influential People of 2025’ list.
Machado has been in hiding since the controversial Venezuelan election in 2024, widely regarded as rigged by incumbent President Nicolas Maduro. The Nobel Committee’s decision is likely to irk Trump, who has recently intensified his criticism of Maduro, accusing him of overseeing drug trafficking operations in Venezuela and halting all diplomatic efforts with the country. However, the choice of Machado is unlikely to significantly impact Trump, given his ongoing disputes with Maduro’s regime.
In its announcement, the Nobel Committee recognised Machado for her “tireless work” in promoting democratic rights for Venezuelans and for her “struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy”. The committee praised her as a “brave and committed champion of peace” who “keeps the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness”.
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