Oslo, Oct 10: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her unwavering efforts to bring democratic change to Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee hailed her as a courageous figure keeping “the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”
Machado, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Nicolás Maduro, was praised as a “key, unifying figure” in Venezuela’s once-divided opposition. Nobel committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes said Machado’s decision to remain in Venezuela despite threats and persecution has inspired millions. “When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,” Frydnes said.
Machado’s Response
Machado, speaking via phone with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, said she was “humbled, grateful and honoured” to receive the prize. “This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve,” she said. “Even though we face the most brutal violence, our society has resisted and insisted on peaceful means.”
She expressed hope that the international community would now understand the urgency of restoring democracy in Venezuela and added, “I believe we are very close to finally achieving freedom for our country and peace for the region.”
Repression and Disqualification
Machado turned 58 this week and was expected to run in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. However, she was disqualified by Maduro’s government, which has regularly suppressed political opposition. In her place, Edmundo González, a political newcomer, ran as the opposition candidate.
The lead-up to the election was marked by a crackdown on dissent, with numerous disqualifications, arrests, and human rights violations. After the National Electoral Council — dominated by Maduro loyalists — declared him the winner amid allegations of electoral fraud, protests erupted nationwide.
At least 20 people were killed in clashes with security forces during the post-election unrest. Several countries, including Argentina, cut diplomatic ties with Venezuela in response.
Machado went into hiding in January and has not been seen publicly since. Meanwhile, González was forced into exile in Spain and granted asylum after facing arrest over the publication of election results. His son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, was arrested in January and remains in prison. According to Foro Penal, a human rights group, over 800 political prisoners are currently detained in Venezuela.
Supporters in Danger
Many of Machado’s closest allies have faced arrest or been forced into hiding. Her campaign manager and others sought refuge for over a year at a diplomatic compound in Caracas before fleeing to the United States in May.
Despite these challenges, Machado continues to be a symbol of resistance for many Venezuelans, although public support for the opposition has declined since Maduro began his third six-year term in January. Disappointment and fear have settled in after what many hoped would be a turning point for the country.
Public and Global Reaction
In Caracas, news of Machado’s Nobel win brought mixed emotions. “I don’t know what can be done to improve the situation, but she deserves it,” said Sandra Martínez, 32, at a bus stop. The Maduro government did not immediately respond to the announcement.
Internationally, Machado has received strong support from figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who earlier this year called her the “Venezuelan Iron Lady” in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list.
Following the Nobel announcement, Machado posted on X (formerly Twitter) thanking supporters and writing: “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
Trump and Nobel Speculation
There had been speculation that Donald Trump might win the Peace Prize due to his recent proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump had amplified the rumours himself. Nobel chair Frydnes, when asked about political lobbying, stated that the committee bases its decisions solely on the ideals of Alfred Nobel and not media campaigns.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the decision, accusing the committee of placing politics over peace. The White House did not comment on Machado’s win.
Nobel Legacy
Machado is the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize out of 112 laureates. The Peace Prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, Norway, with others — in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and economics — awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
Her win brings global attention back to Venezuela’s political crisis and highlights the risks taken by those fighting for democracy under authoritarian rule. (AP)
