Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado who was named on Friday as the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize said she was “humbled, grateful and honoured”, for the honour which she said was a recognition of the Venezuelan people’s fight for democracy and peace. In a conversation with Robin Hardy of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, 58-year-old Machado said she was still coming to terms with the announcement.

 

“I’m still processing. I think this is what can I tell you? I mean, this is something that I believe the Venezuelan people deserve. I am just part of a huge movement and I don’t know, I’m humbled, I’m grateful and I’m honoured not only by this recognition, but I’m honoured to be part of what’s going on in Venezuela today and very grateful.

 

Thank you,” she said. Looking back at her struggle Machado said, “It has been a very long journey at a very high cost for Venezuelan society. For many years, the world didn’t realise how hard, how difficult, how painful and destructive this process had been. And when some people persevered, I believe that we are very close to achieving, finally, freedom for our country and peace for the region.” She added,

 

“Even though we face the most brutal violence, our society has resisted and insisted on struggling through civic means and peaceful means. I believe that the world will now understand how urgent it is to finally, you know, succeed because of the implications not only, I insist, for Venezuela and Latin America. This will have enormous impact for the hemisphere, the whole hemisphere, and for the world.” Speaking about how Venezuelans might react to the news, Machado said, “I think that in the moment that we need most to stay strong, united and focused because we’re living the darkest hours. But at the same time, there’s enormous hope that has been rising in the last times.

 

The news is probably breaking right now. It’s being broadcast from downstairs. I’m getting everything’s... Oh my God, it’s really happening. Oh my God, I can’t believe. I can’t believe this is true.” Machado, who has been living in hiding due to threats to her life, was asked if she would be able to travel to Norway for the formal ceremony in

 

Oslo on December 10. She replied, “Oh well, I trust the Venezuelan people and I trust our allies, and I definitely believe we are in the final stage of a very long, painful struggle for freedom. And certainly it would be the highest honour to represent my country and meet you personally.” Machado said the award belongs to all Venezuelans. “I want to insist that I accept this as a recognition to our people, to the millions of Venezuelans that are, you know, anonymous and that they’re risking everything they have for freedom, justice and peace. And I’m sure, absolutely convinced, that we will achieve it. Thank you very much,” she said.