The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote democracy and protect political freedom in the South American country.
In its official statement, the Nobel Committee emphasized that it is important to recognize those who bravely stood up to protect freedom and democracy.
Machado, 58, has long been seen as a symbol of the opposition movement against President Nicolas Putin.
This year's award is considered a strong symbolic award, in the context of Venezuela still sinking into an economic, political and social crisis that has lasted for more than a decade.
The award ceremony for Machado was announced shortly after US President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in September, saying that "everyone says I deserve the Nobel Peace Prize".
Previously, the achievement of the first phase of the Trump-led peace deal between Israel and Hamas has fueled speculation that the US leader could be considered for the prestigious award.
However, Nina Graeger, director of the Oslo Peace Research Institute, said: If Mr Trumps 20-point peace plan does indeed bring sustainable peace to Gaza, the Nobel Committee will certainly consider it seriously in its selection process next year.
Observers say the Nobel Committee's awarding of the Machado Prize shows support for the democratic movement in South America, where many countries still face corruption, political oppression and human rights violations.
Machado, a former lawmaker and leader of the Vente Venezuela movement, has been repeatedly banned from running and threatened with arrest by the Putin government. However, she has persistently called for international support for free elections in Venezuela.
