The daughter of María Corina Machado, the recipient of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, has expressed her mother's unwavering commitment to achieving a free Venezuela. Ana Corina Sosa accepted the prestigious award on her mother's behalf, emphasizing that Machado would never relinquish her goal of liberating her homeland.
The Nobel Institute confirmed that the Venezuelan opposition leader is safe and will travel to Oslo, although she was unable to attend the awards ceremony scheduled for 12:00 GMT on Wednesday. Sosa delivered a heartfelt lecture written by her mother during the ceremony held at Oslo's City Hall, highlighting the significance of Machado's struggle for democracy in Venezuela.
The Nobel Institute awarded María Corina Machado the prize for her relentless efforts to facilitate a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. In her emotional speech, Sosa reflected on the personal toll of not having seen her mother for two years, a consequence of Machado going into hiding after the disputed presidential election in July 2024.
During her address, Sosa poignantly stated, "As I wait for that moment to hug her, to kiss her, to embrace her after two years, I think of the other daughters and sons who do not get to see their mothers." These words resonated deeply with the audience, underlining the broader struggles faced by families in Venezuela.
Following her heartfelt introduction, Sosa delivered the lecture penned by her mother, conveying an optimistic message to the audience. She proclaimed that Venezuelans will "hug again, fall in love again, and hear our streets fill with laughter and music." Sosa emphasized that all the simple joys often taken for granted by the world would eventually return to Venezuela. "In the end, our journey towards freedom has always lived inside us," she asserted. "We are returning to ourselves. We are returning home."
The audience at Oslo's City Hall, which included members of Norway's royal family, responded with a standing ovation and a lengthy round of applause, a testament to the powerful message conveyed by Sosa.
Leading up to the ceremony, there had been considerable speculation regarding whether Machado, who has been living in hiding, would be able to bypass a travel ban to attend the event. In an audio recording released by the Nobel Institute, Machado hinted at her presence in Oslo, stating, "I will be in Oslo, I am on my way." However, Kristian Berg Harpviken, the director of the Nobel Institute, later clarified that Machado was expected to arrive after the ceremony.
Earlier on Wednesday, concerns arose when the Nobel Institute admitted they were unaware of Machado's location, causing anxiety among her supporters. Two of her children and her mother were in Oslo, eagerly anticipating a reunion with Machado after their prolonged separation.
Since going into hiding, the last public sighting of María Corina Machado was on January 9, when she addressed supporters at a rally protesting against Nicolás Maduro's swearing-in for a third presidential term. The elections had been widely condemned as rigged, sparking nationwide protests and resulting in approximately 2,000 arrests, including many members of Machado's opposition coalition.
Despite the risks, Machado successfully united the divided opposition leading up to the election. She continued to engage with her followers through interviews and social media, urging them to remain hopeful and persistent in their quest for change. Her recognition as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner has invigorated her supporters and prompted intense speculation regarding her ability to travel to Oslo for the award ceremony.
The circumstances surrounding Machado's travel remain shrouded in secrecy, and the means by which she may have reached Europe from her hiding place are still unclear. Nevertheless, her daughter's acceptance of the award serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela and the resilience of its people.