Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025, recognising her efforts to promote democratic rights and advocate for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. Following her win on October 10, 2025, Machado expressed her gratitude, stating that the award is an "immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans" and serves as motivation to achieve freedom in her country.

In her remarks, Machado highlighted the importance of international support, particularly from the United States. She stated, "We are on the threshold of victory and today more than ever we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve freedom and democracy." She dedicated her Nobel Prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of their cause.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado for her unwavering commitment to democracy, calling her a "brave and committed champion of peace". Despite facing threats and political persecution, she has remained a unifying figure in the opposition against President Nicolás Maduro's regime. Machado has previously been forced into hiding and has faced arrests and travel bans due to her activism.

In a conversation with the Nobel Institute, she expressed her humility and gratitude for the recognition, stating, "This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve. I am just part of a huge movement." Machado believes that the world will now understand the urgency of achieving freedom for Venezuela, despite the ongoing violence and challenges faced by her society.

Machado's recognition as a Nobel laureate marks her as the 20th woman to receive this honour, amidst her inclusion in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2025. Her dedication to the cause of democracy continues to inspire many, as she remains committed to the peaceful struggle for her nation's future.