María Corina Machado Applauds Nobel Peace Prize: "Venezuela on the Brink of Liberation"

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado hailed the Nobel Peace Prize awarded this Friday as a "boost of energy" for the "heroic struggle" of the Venezuelan people against what she described as a "criminal regime." In an interview with the newspaper El Mundo, she proclaimed, "Venezuela is on the threshold of freedom," and emphasized that international support sends a "clear signal" about the nature of Nicolás Maduro's government and the urgent need for global action to support a democratic transition.

Highlighting the backing from both Latin America and Europe, Machado expressed gratitude for the solidarity from the Spanish people and mentioned that powerful governments are now aligning with Venezuela's cause. "I have no doubt that Venezuela's freedom is very near," she declared, interpreting the recognition as a global message that underscores the resilience of Venezuelan civil society.

International Support and Pressure

Machado argued that external pressure must target the regime's funding sources—drug trafficking, "blood gold," arms and human trafficking, and the black market oil trade. She reiterated that the United States has chosen the right course by treating the situation as a hemispheric security issue. She dedicated this recognition to "the Venezuelan people" and former President Donald Trump, whom she credited for his leadership in rallying international efforts against the regime's structure, insisting that "law and order must be applied" to dismantle it.

The Regime's Grip and the Path Forward

Machado did not mince words when discussing the ruling elite: "Nicolás Maduro is the head of the Cártel de los Soles," an organization she claims has seized control of the state and its institutions. She painted a grim picture of a Venezuela under criminal capture, with ports, airports, financial systems, and logistics routes all compromised, while the nation suffers with pensions below a dollar a month and inadequate services.

Regarding the path to change, Machado proposed that a negotiated transition requires assurances, which would depend on the terms and participants of the process. However, she warned that if the regime resists, the opposition is prepared for an "orderly transition" even without negotiation. She attributed the internal erosion of chavismo and distrust within the military as reasons behind moves like trying to arm civilian militias, which she deemed a "complete failure."

Social Cohesion and the Venezuelan Miracle

Machado also praised the social unity achieved: "Ninety percent of the country, including military and police forces, want the same thing," she stated, urging a focus on rebuilding institutions from scratch. Her vision is for an inclusive, transparent, and strong state capable of sustaining what she termed the "Latin American miracle" they aspire for Venezuela to become.

She voiced her support for political prisoners and their families, whom she called "heroes" for enduring repression with strength. Machado is confident that the combination of international pressure and internal mobilization will hasten a political resolution. Meanwhile, she continues to emphasize that "freedom is very close" and remains committed to forming teams and plans to manage the transition.

This Friday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her "tireless efforts in advocating for the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her fight for a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." María Corina Machado received the official notification of her Nobel Peace Prize win just moments before the news was publicly announced. Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, personally shared the news with her via telephone.

The touching moment was captured on video, showcasing María Corina's absolute surprise at the announcement.