There was mixed reaction in the Venezuelan capital on Friday as residents woke up to the news opposition leader María Corina Machado had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel committee praised her as a key unifying figure in the opposition, advocating for free elections and representative government.

"When people act in a way where they don’t expect any reward in return, but rather seek the common good, it’s something that elevates them. I believe it was well deserved," said Caracas resident José Terán.

Another woman who did not give her name described the decision as "crazy".

Support for Machado and the opposition in general has decreased since the July 2024 election — particularly since January, when Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term and disappointment set in.

There was no immediate reaction from Maduro's government.

The former opposition presidential candidate was lauded for being a “key, unifying figure" in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolás Maduro’s government, said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee.

AP video shot by: Juan Arraez