Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Maria Corina Machado awarded for her work promoting democratic rights for people of Venezuela. Who is she?

The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday (October 10) announced the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado 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.

According to a press release, María Corina Machado fulfils all three conditions laid out in Alfred Nobel’s will for the Peace Prize. She has successfully brought together Venezuela’s fragmented opposition, stood firmly against the militarisation of society, and consistently promoted a peaceful democratic transition. Her leadership underscores the idea that democracy and peace are closely linked, inspiring hope for a future where citizens’ rights are upheld and their voices respected, laying the foundation for enduring stability.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado as a unifying force within Venezuela’s opposition, commending her relentless activism despite grave personal risks, including threats and periods of hiding. Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes stressed the significance of honouring individuals who defend freedom in the face of oppressive regimes.

Who is Maria Corina Machado?

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Maria Corina Machado is the eldest daughter of psychologist Corina Parisca and businessman Henrique Machado Zuloaga. In addition to her political career, she is an accomplished industrial engineer and a dedicated human rights advocate. She earned a degree in industrial engineering from Andrés Bello Catholic University and a master’s in finance from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administracion (IESA) in Caracas.

Machado entered politics in 2002 when she co-founded Sumate, an organisation focused on election monitoring and defending citizens’ rights. Later, in 2013, she founded and became the national coordinator of Vente Venezuela, a liberal political party. Throughout her career, she has been an outspoken critic of the governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro, championing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.