A Nobel Peace Prize ceremony highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela, as María Corina Machado’s daughter accepts the award in her absence.
Story Overview
- María Corina Machado’s daughter accepts the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her mother.
- Machado remains in hiding, facing threats from Venezuela’s regime.
- The ceremony underscores international support for Venezuelan democracy.
- Machado’s absence highlights the challenges faced by dissidents under oppressive regimes.
Machado’s Absence at the Nobel Ceremony
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on December 10, 2025. Her absence was due to security concerns related to her ongoing struggle against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Despite being on her way to Oslo, Machado was unable to arrive in time, prompting her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, to accept the award on her behalf.
Watch the very moment Maria Corina Machado’s daughter Ana collected this year’s Nobel Peace Prize medal and diploma on behalf of her mother.
Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.
Learn… pic.twitter.com/gLORIbv50T
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) December 10, 2025
International Support for Venezuelan Democracy
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony saw significant international solidarity with Machado’s cause. Prominent Latin American leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, attended the event.
These leaders’ presence highlighted the widespread support for democratic reform in Venezuela, a nation beleaguered by governmental repression and human rights violations under Maduro’s rule.
Machado’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize is a testament to her relentless pursuit of democracy, despite facing substantial personal risk.
She has been living in hiding since a public appearance in Caracas on January 9, 2024, where she was briefly detained during a protest. Her continued absence from public life underscores the peril faced by those opposing authoritarian regimes.
Ongoing Challenges for Venezuelan Opposition
Machado’s political journey has been fraught with challenges, including her disqualification from running in last year’s presidential election in Venezuela.
Despite winning an opposition primary, she was barred from challenging Maduro, which led to retired diplomat Edmundo González stepping in as her replacement. The election process was marred by repression, including arrests and disqualifications, and a controversial victory declared for Maduro.
