In its long history, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has honored brave women and men who stood up to repression, who carried the hope of freedom in prison cells, on the streets, in the public squares and who shown by their actions that peaceful resistance can change the world.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado 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.
Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times. She has been a key unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided. When authoritarians seized power, Miss Machado remained in the country, her choice inspired millions and meets the three criteria in Alfred Nobel’s will for the selection of a peace process:
- She has brought her country’s opposition together.
- She has never wavered in resisting the militarization of Venezuelan society.
- She has been steadfast in her support for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where more authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence which recently sounds like a global trend. In 2024, more elections were held than ever before, but fewer are free and fair.
Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent, who dare to step forward despite grave risk and who remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted. It must always be defended with words, courage and determination.
Related link:
Get to know the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 | Nobel Prize
Announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize | Noble Prize
