Maria Karina Machado, a courageous advocate for the republic in Venezuela, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her courage and faithfulness in keeping the light of freedom alive amid authoritarian oppression. Her struggle for justice, equality and peace, despite enormous political challenges, is a symbol of perseverance for millions of Venezuelans.
Maria Karina Machado has earned global recognition for her tireless work in promoting popular rights and fair choices. As Venezuela faces authoritarian control, she has become a symbol of resistance. Through his leadership, he has united the fractured opposition forces under one cause – restoring the republic and freezing representative rule for all Venezuelans, proving that peaceful determination can overcome autocracy.
Once prosperous, Venezuela now faces a profound humanitarian and profiteering extremism. State violence has targeted its own people, forcing nearly eight million citizens to flee. Amid such heated circumstances, Machado’s peaceful stance has become evident as he continues to challenge corruption, repression, and the violation of mortal rights through his steadfast commitment to a popular change.
More than two decades ago, Machado founded Sumate, an organization focused on free and fair elections. His infamous phrase, “Bullets Over Pellets,” continues to inspire popular movements worldwide. Despite facing political persecution, the risk of imprisonment, and systematic persecution, he never abandoned his belief in peaceful reform and the people’s right to choose their leader.
Before the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, Machado was the leading opposition candidate. When the government stopped his training, he supported Edmundo González Urrutia. Thousands of Levies, trained as election observers, risked their own safety during the vote. Their indifference revealed the truth of the opposition’s victory. Nevertheless, the government refused to admit defeat, clinging to power through manipulation and fear.
The Nobel Committee emphasized how republics are declining worldwide, with dictatorships on the rise in nations. Machado’s peaceful resistance is a reminder that republics are essential for lasting peace. Her leadership inspires those who resist oppression, reminding the world that free societies depend on citizens who refuse to remain silent and stand up to tyranny, no matter the threat.
Despite the dangers of life, María Corina Machado remains in Venezuela, living in hiding but still silent. Her resilience embodies Alfred Nobel’s vision – to promote peace through justice, freedom and moderation. She continues to inspire millions, proving that democracy and peace share the same foundation, the courage to speak out and the ability to work peacefully for a better future.
