Nobel Peace Prize 2025

Nobel Peace Prize 2025

The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and striving for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

• The Norwegian Nobel Committee, responsible for selecting laureates, received a total of 338 nominations, including 94 organisations, reflecting global recognition of peace efforts. The committee considers candidates whose work aligns with Alfred Nobel’s stipulation of promoting fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, or supporting peace congresses.

 About María Corina Machado – Overview

Born: October 7, 1967
Place of Birth: Caracas, Venezuela
Profession: Industrial Engineer, Politician, Activist
Current Role: Leading Venezuelan opposition figure

Background & Education:

• María Corina Machado studied industrial engineering at one of Venezuela’s top universities and later specialized in finance. She began her public life not in politics, but through social work, helping children in poor communities.
• In the early 2000s, she co-founded Súmate, an NGO dedicated to promoting electoral transparency and democratic engagement. This quickly brought her into the political spotlight.

Political Rise:

• Machado was elected to the Venezuelan National Assembly in 2010 with one of the highest vote totals among opposition candidates. She became known for her fierce criticism of President Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro.
• In 2014, she was controversially expelled from parliament for political reasons — a move widely condemned internationally.

Ideology & Positions:

• Strong advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law
• Supports free-market economics and privatization of state enterprises
• Firmly opposes the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro
• Known for her direct, uncompromising style, which has earned both admiration and criticism

Repression and Challenges:

Machado has faced political persecution, including:

• Bans from holding public office
• Accusations of treason and inciting unrest
• Surveillance, threats, and public smears
  Despite this, she remained active, gaining grassroots support across Venezuela.

2024 Opposition Primary:

• In 2024, she ran in the Venezuelan opposition’s primary and won by a landslide, showing strong nationwide support. However, the government disqualified her from running in the actual presidential election, drawing international criticism.