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Maria Corina Machado’s Daughter Receives Nobel Peace Prize on Her Behalf in Oslo

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Oslo
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 545

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo due to a government-imposed travel ban. In her absence, her daughter Ana Corina Sosa accepted the prestigious award and read out a speech written by her mother.

In her message, Machado said the struggle to protect democracy and freedom is vital, stressing that the Nobel Peace Prize is significant not only for Venezuela, but for the entire world. She noted that authoritarianism often advances gradually, without people realizing the danger until it is too late.

Machado has been in hiding for more than a year following an intensified government crackdown. Although she could not attend the ceremony on time, the Nobel Committee stated that she may arrive in Oslo by nightfall.

Awarded for Democratic Struggle

Machado was announced as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate on October 10 for her long-standing efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Her mother and three daughters traveled to Oslo to receive the award on her behalf. Several Latin American leaders attended the ceremony, including Argentine President Javier Milei.

In her speech, Machado accused former President Hugo Chávez and current President Nicolás Maduro of systematically dismantling democratic institutions and steering the country toward dictatorship.

Barred From Presidency, Forced Into Hiding

Despite winning the opposition primaries by a landslide, Machado was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election. After endorsing opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, she went into hiding in August 2024 as political repression escalated.

Although the opposition claimed a clear electoral victory, the ruling regime rejected the results and remained in power, drawing widespread international criticism.

A Record of International Recognition

Machado has received several global honors for her commitment to democracy and human rights:

  • 2025 Nobel Peace Prize – For her leadership in Venezuela’s democratic movement

  • 2024 Sakharov Prize – Awarded by the European Parliament jointly with Edmundo González

  • 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – From the Council of Europe

  • 2025 Courage Award – Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy

  • 2018 BBC 100 Women – Listed among the world’s most influential women

Rise as a Defiant Opposition Voice

Machado first gained nationwide attention on January 14, 2012, when she interrupted a marathon speech by then-President Hugo Chávez in parliament. After nearly 10 hours of his address, Machado shouted accusations of corruption and demanded the return of confiscated property.

Chávez dismissed her, saying she was unqualified to debate him. The incident sparked nationwide discussion and cemented Machado’s image as a fearless and outspoken opposition leader.

Today, her Nobel Peace Prize stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against authoritarianism and a renewed call for democracy in Venezuela.