Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro finally spoke out following the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to opposition leader María Corina Machado. "Ninety percent of the population rejects the demon witch of the Sayona," remarked Maduro on Sunday during an event commemorating Indigenous Resistance Day. Although he did not directly mention Machado, his words were clearly aimed at her.
"We want peace, and we will have peace, but a peace with liberty, sovereignty, independence, and equality. Not the peace of Gaza's ruins nor the peace of death," Maduro added, referencing a survey by the chavista-affiliated Hinterlaces. "Here, we do not wish to become slaves of the Americans," he reiterated, staying true to his usual rhetoric.
María Corina Machado was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize a week ago for her "tireless efforts in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her struggle to achieve a fair and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy," according to the official statement released by the Nobel Committee from Oslo.
The Committee's president, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, described her as "a brave and dedicated advocate for peace," asserting that Machado "keeps the flame of democracy alive amidst growing darkness." The opposition leader expressed her emotions upon receiving the Committee's call: "Oh my God... I am at a loss for words. It's an honor, and I know it is great news for the people of Venezuela."
On social media, Machado dedicated the award to Venezuelans and reaffirmed her commitment to freedom: "This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to complete our task: to conquer Liberty." She also expressed gratitude for international support: "Now more than ever, we count on President Trump, the American people, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world."
With this accolade, Machado becomes the first Venezuelan to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in Latin America today. Her leadership in the democratic movement in Venezuela has been crucial in unifying the opposition against the chavista regime and advocating for free elections and a peaceful transition in the South American nation.
Reactions to the award are polarized, with thousands of Venezuelans and democracy advocates celebrating, while the chavista regime and its allies, including Cuba, dismiss it.
María Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize Impact
Why was María Corina Machado awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless efforts in advocating for democratic rights in Venezuela and her commitment to achieving a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
What was Nicolás Maduro's reaction to Machado's Nobel Prize?
Nicolás Maduro derisively referred to María Corina Machado without naming her, dismissing her as "the demon witch of the Sayona" and emphasizing his vision for peace with sovereignty and independence.
How did María Corina Machado respond to winning the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado expressed overwhelming emotion and gratitude upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. She dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people and reaffirmed her dedication to achieving freedom.