- By Ajeet Kumar
- Fri, 10 Oct 2025 02:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Winner: Opposition activist Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela has won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025. The former opposition presidential candidate in Venezuela was lauded for being a “key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee.
Who is Maria Corina Machado?
Maria Corina Machado has led the struggle for democracy in the face of ever-expanding authoritarianism in Venezuela. Ms Machado studied engineering and finance, and had a short career in business. In 1992 she established the Atenea Foundation, which works to benefit street children in Caracas.
Maria Corina Machado's Political career
Ten years later she was one of the founders of Súmate, which promotes free and fair elections and has conducted training and election monitoring. In 2010 she was elected to the National Assembly, winning a record number of votes. The regime expelled her from office in 2014.
Machado leads the Vente Venezuela opposition party and in 2017 helped found the Soy Venezuela alliance, which unites pro-democracy forces in the country across political dividing lines.
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Last year's award went to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of Japanese atomic bombing survivors who have worked for decades to maintain a taboo around the use of nuclear weapons.
Why Was Maria Corina Machado Awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2025?
Machado is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize first and foremost for her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela.