María Corina Machado of Venezuela wins the Nobel Peace Prize
Feb 15, 2026
Good morning.
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 goes to a brave and committed champion of peace.
To a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 to
Maria Corina Machado.
She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights
for the people of Venezuela, and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition
from dictatorship to democracy.
As the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of
the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.
Ms. Machado has been a key unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply
divided.
An opposition that found common ground in the demand for free election and representative
government.
This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy.
Our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule even though we disagree.
At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend
this common ground.