Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and human rights activist, has been given the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her continuous work to protect democracy and human rights in her country. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado for showing “extraordinary courage” in sticking up for the Venezuelan people even though it was dangerous for her and she was under political pressure.
Machado is one of the most well-known speakers against authoritarianism in Venezuela at the age of 58. For decades, she has fought for a peaceful and equitable transition to democracy, and she has stayed strong even after being kicked out of the National Assembly in 2014.
Who is Maria Corina Machado?
Machado was born in Caracas in 1967 to a family of businesspeople. She went to Andrés Bello Catholic University to study engineering and then to IESA to study finance. She joined the Yale World Fellows Program in 2009, which helped her gain more experience and make more relationships throughout the world.
In 2010, Machado was voted to the National Assembly of Venezuela. He co-founded Sumate, a group that works to protect and promote clean elections. After the national government kicked her out, she kept running the political party Vente Venezuela and started Soy Venezuela, a group that supports democracy all around the country.
Achievements and Effects
People all over the world know Machado for her struggle to protect human rights and democracy. Her annual income is thought to be between $631,800 and $865,520, coming from political activity, public speaking, and media appearances. With the $1.2 million Nobel Peace Prize, she is likely to become even richer and have more power around the world.
Machado oversees a social movement called Commando #ConVzla in addition to her political work. This movement brings in extra money through social media and fundraising events. The medal and her growing global prominence give her more power to keep fighting for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
The prize got a lot of attention from around the world, including a declaration by US President Donald Trump that he should have won the Nobel Peace Prize this year. This shows how much people are talking about the award around the world.