Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado recently received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition she attributes to the collective efforts of the Venezuelan society. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Kristian Berg Harpviken, the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, called Machado on Friday morning to deliver the life-changing news. During their conversation, Harpviken was visibly emotional, expressing the significance of the award before it was officially announced to the public.
Machado's reaction was one of overwhelming gratitude. "Oh my God. I have no words. Thank you so much," she exclaimed during the call. She emphasized that this honor represents more than just her personal achievement, stating, "I hope you understand this is a movement, this is an achievement for a whole society. I am just one person; I certainly do not deserve this."
In the video, Harpviken outlined Machado's selection for the Nobel Prize, highlighting her relentless efforts in promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela. He commended her commitment to achieving a peaceful transition from autocracy to democracy. An emotional Machado expressed her honor and humility, saying, "I am grateful on behalf of the Venezuelan people to receive the award. We are not there yet," referring to the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. "We are working very hard to achieve it, but I am sure we will prevail. This is certainly the biggest recognition to our people that certainly deserve it. So, thank you very much!"
Following the announcement, Machado took to social media platform X to share her thoughts. She stated, "This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom." She underscored the importance of international support, saying, "We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy."
In her statement, Machado dedicated the Nobel Prize to "the suffering people of Venezuela" and expressed her gratitude towards President Trump for his decisive support of their cause. Her calls for assistance highlight the severe political climate in Venezuela, which has been under the control of an autocratic regime for decades.
Currently, Venezuela is led by President Nicolas Maduro, whose election in 2024 was widely condemned as undemocratic. Many nations, including the United States, do not recognize his leadership. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of colluding with drug smuggling organizations that facilitate narcotics trafficking into the U.S., a claim that Maduro has vehemently denied.
Furthermore, the U.S. has recognized an opposition politician supported by Machado, Senator Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election. Amidst these political tensions, Machado has remained in hiding within Venezuela since the controversial election. There have been rumors circulating on social media suggesting that she could be taking refuge in the U.S. embassy located in Caracas.
Despite the challenges, Machado has continued to advocate for U.S. military pressure on Maduro's regime, viewing it as a necessary step towards restoring popular sovereignty in Venezuela. Her unwavering commitment to the cause of democracy and human rights makes her a significant figure in the ongoing struggle for freedom in her country.
