Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed disbelief and joy after being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize this Friday, marking her as the first Venezuelan to receive this prestigious international honor.
In a video shared by Edmundo González, a former presidential candidate supported by Machado in the 2024 elections, the moment is captured when the two speak on the phone just minutes after the announcement. “Oh no, well... I don’t know if I’m... I’m in shock,” Machado says at the beginning of the call. “What is this? I mean, I can't believe this, my God,” she adds, visibly moved. González, with laughter and excitement, replies, “We’re all in shock with joy here too, you know? This is a big hit.”
In the message accompanying the video, González publicly congratulated the opposition leader: “Our beloved María Corina Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize! A well-deserved recognition for the long struggle of a woman and an entire nation for our freedom and democracy. Venezuela’s first Nobel laureate! Congratulations @mariacorinaya, Venezuela will be free!”
The Nobel Committee’s official notification came to Machado just minutes before the public announcement, in a call made by Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute. The moment was captured on video, showing her clearly touched: “Oh my God... I have no words. I hope you understand me (...) It’s an honor and I know this is very good news for the people of Venezuela. Thank you very much,” she expressed.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, led by Jørgen Watne Frydnes, highlighted Machado’s role as “a courageous and dedicated advocate for peace” and her efforts towards achieving “a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Machado has been instrumental in unifying a historically divided opposition and organizing a civic strategy to demand free elections in Venezuela. In 2023, Nicolás Maduro's regime blocked her presidential candidacy despite her overwhelming victory in the opposition primaries. Later, it also nullified the electoral result favoring González, leading to international allegations of fraud.
Currently, María Corina Machado is in hiding, due to increased political persecution by the Chavista regime. While there is no official reaction from the Maduro government yet, statements are anticipated in the coming hours.
In the United States, there is growing anticipation regarding how President Donald Trump, who for years aspired to the Nobel for his international policies but did not achieve it in this edition, will respond.
Nobel Peace Prize and Venezuela's Political Landscape
Who is María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader known for her efforts to unify the opposition and advocate for democratic elections in Venezuela.
Why did María Corina Machado receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous advocacy for peace and her efforts towards a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
What was the reaction of Nicolás Maduro's regime to the award?
As of now, there has been no official reaction from Nicolás Maduro's regime, but statements are expected to be made soon.