2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement. The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 was awarded to Venezuelan political activist María Corina Machado.
Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Awarded to María Corina Machado
Date Announced: October 10, 2025
Award Ceremony: December 10, 2025, Oslo, Norway
Laureate: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan political activist and opposition leader
Prize Motivation:
“For her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” — Norwegian Nobel Committee
Who Is María Corina Machado?
- Born: 1967, Venezuela
- Education: Studied engineering and finance
- Early Activism:
- Founded the Atenea Foundation (1992) to support street children in Caracas
- Co-founded Súmate (2002), a civic organization promoting electoral transparency and democratic participation
- Political Career:
- Elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2010 with a record number of votes
- Expelled in 2014 after denouncing human rights abuses at the Organization of American States
- Founded Vente Venezuela, a liberal opposition party
- Helped establish Soy Venezuela alliance in 2017 to unify pro-democracy forces
Role in Venezuela’s Democratic Movement
Machado has been a central figure in resisting the authoritarian regime of President Nicolás Maduro. Her leadership has focused on peaceful civic mobilization, electoral monitoring, and international advocacy for human rights.
- In 2023, she announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, but was barred from running by the regime.
- She endorsed Edmundo González Urrutia, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to monitor polling stations.
- Despite widespread repression, the opposition documented a clear electoral victory—though the regime refused to concede.
Nobel Committee’s Statement
“María Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times. Her commitment to ballots over bullets has kept the flame of democracy alive in Venezuela.” — Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
Global Impact and Recognition
- Machado’s award comes amid growing global concern over democratic backsliding.
- She was selected from 338 candidates (244 individuals and 94 organizations).
- Her recognition underscores the importance of peaceful resistance and civic leadership in authoritarian contexts.
Clarification: Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize
Despite speculation, Donald Trump was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. While he was reportedly nominated, the Norwegian Nobel Committee selected Machado for her nonviolent democratic activism. Trump’s administration has expressed criticism of the decision, claiming political bias.
What’s Next?
- Machado will receive the Nobel Peace Prize in a formal ceremony in Oslo on December 10, 2025, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
- The award includes a gold medal, diploma, and 11 million Swedish kronor (approx. USD 1 million).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Nobel Peace Prize 2025 awarded to María Corina Machado
1. Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025?
María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy activist, was awarded the prize for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
2. When was the prize announced?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 10, 2025 in Oslo, Norway.
3. When is the award ceremony scheduled?
The formal ceremony will take place on December 10, 2025, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
4. What is her background?
Born in 1967 in Caracas, Machado studied industrial engineering and finance. She founded the Atenea Foundation (1992) and Súmate (2002), both focused on civic engagement and child welfare.
5. What is her political role?
She served in Venezuela’s National Assembly from 2010 to 2014, was expelled for opposing the regime, and currently leads the Vente Venezuela party. She was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election.
6. Why was she selected for the Nobel Peace Prize?
The Nobel Committee cited her civilian courage, leadership in peaceful resistance, and efforts to unify Venezuela’s fractured opposition during the disputed 2024 elections.
7. What role did she play in the 2024 Venezuelan elections?
Though disqualified from running, she backed Edmundo González Urrutia, mobilized volunteers, and led efforts to monitor polling stations and document electoral fraud.
8. Is she currently in Venezuela?
Yes. Despite threats and persecution, Machado has remained in Venezuela, often in hiding, continuing her activism.
9. What does the Nobel Peace Prize include?
- Gold medal
- Diploma
- 11 million Swedish kronor (approx. ₹10 crore or USD 1 million)
10. Has she received other awards?
Yes. She’s been honored with the Charles T. Manatt Prize, Libertad Cortes de Cádiz, and Liberal International Freedom Prize, among others.
11. Was Donald Trump awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025?
No. Despite speculation and nomination, Donald Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.
12. Where can I read the full Nobel Committee statement?
Visit the official Nobel Prize website: nobelprize.org
13. What message did the Nobel Committee emphasize?
Machado was praised as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness” and “a symbol of hope for millions under authoritarian rule.”
