María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless efforts to foster a peaceful and just transition of power in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized her as a unifying figure in the fractured opposition, which has long resisted the 26-year rule of the ruling party led by President Nicolás Maduro. Machado, a seasoned politician and industrial engineer, has been a vocal critic of Maduro’s regime, mobilizing millions of Venezuelans to reject his leadership in the 2024 elections. However, the award comes at a contentious time, as some opposition supporters question her alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, which have led to controversial actions such as the detention of Venezuelan migrants in Central America and U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean. Machado’s political journey began in 2004 when she co-founded Súmate, an NGO that sought to recall then-President Hugo Chávez. Despite facing legal challenges and accusations of conspiracy, she rose to prominence, becoming a symbol of resistance. Her presidential aspirations in 2012 and 2023 were thwarted by the ruling party, which barred her from running. Nevertheless, she played a pivotal role in supporting opposition candidate Edmundo González, who, according to opposition records, defeated Maduro by a significant margin in the 2024 elections. However, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, sparking nationwide protests and brutal government crackdowns. Machado remains steadfast in her mission, asserting that Venezuela is on the brink of achieving freedom and peace despite the ongoing violence and repression.
María Corina Machado, a symbol of the political resistance in Venezuela and now Nobel winner
