Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, accepted the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her mother this Wednesday at the Oslo City Hall. Machado was unable to attend the ceremony due to barriers imposed by Nicolás Maduro's regime.
The event, graced by the presence of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, was rich with emotion and symbolism. Amidst a standing ovation from the audience, Sosa ascended the stage to receive the award's diploma and medal, valued at 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately one million euros or 1.2 million dollars), from the hands of the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes.
"My mother never breaks a promise, and with all the joy in my heart, I can tell you that in just a few hours, we will embrace her here in Oslo after 16 months," Sosa stated, visibly moved, standing before a large photograph of Machado.
Sosa also paid tribute to "the other sons and daughters who cannot see their mothers today," referring to the political prisoners and those persecuted under the Chavista regime.
The ceremony was attended by Argentine President Javier Milei, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, and the presidents of Panama and Paraguay, José Raúl Mulino and Santiago Peña, respectively.
In his presentation speech, Frydnes issued a powerful call for Maduro to step down and allow "a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela."
"He must accept the election results and resign, as this is the will of the Venezuelan people. María Corina Machado and the opposition have ignited a flame that no torture, lies, or fear can extinguish," declared the Nobel Committee Chairman, prompting a prolonged ovation.
Frydnes also condemned the political repression in Venezuela and the severe humanitarian crisis that has forced over eight million Venezuelans to flee, describing the situation as "one of the largest refugee crises in the world."
Meanwhile, Machado is reportedly en route to Oslo, as confirmed by the Nobel Institute, following several thwarted attempts to leave Venezuela. Her anticipated arrival in the coming hours has her family and the international community on edge.
The award, announced on October 9, acknowledges Machado's relentless fight for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, a cause she has linked with the struggles of the Cuban and Nicaraguan people against dictatorship.
Although not physically present, her voice echoed in Oslo today. Her name, now etched in history, has become a beacon of hope for millions of Latin Americans yearning for freedom.
Significance of the Nobel Peace Prize for Venezuela
Why did María Corina Machado receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her persistent advocacy for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, and her efforts to highlight the struggles against dictatorial regimes in Latin America.
What challenges did María Corina Machado face in attending the Nobel ceremony?
María Corina Machado faced significant obstacles imposed by Nicolás Maduro's regime, which prevented her from reaching Oslo in time for the ceremony.
Who attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo?
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Argentine President Javier Milei, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, and the presidents of Panama and Paraguay.