The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated part of her acceptance speech to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the decision on Friday, citing Machado’s efforts to combat dictatorship in Venezuela.
Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer currently in hiding, was barred from running for president by Venezuela’s courts in 2024. She criticized President Nicolas Maduro’s rule, which has persisted since 2013. In a statement shared on social media, Machado said: “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom. We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump… as our principal ally to achieve Freedom and democracy.”
Machado expressed humility during her call with Nobel Committee secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken, stating, “I thank you so much, but I hope you understand this is a movement, this is an achievement of a whole society. I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve it.”
The decision drew immediate reactions, with some highlighting Trump’s past claims that he deserved the prize. The award has also sparked discussion about Venezuela’s political landscape and international support for opposition figures.
