Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado, identified as the leader of the country’s biggest opposition movement, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated its decision was primarily based on her “efforts to advance democracy ‘in the face of ever-expanding authoritarianism in Venezuela.'” In its statement, the committee also acknowledged Ms. Machado’s support for President Trump’s military buildup in the Caribbean, which Mr. Trump has indicated is aimed at stopping drug smuggling to the United States. Ms. Machado, 58, is described as the eldest daughter of a prominent Caracas family and was elected to the National Assembly in 2010 with a significant number of votes. She has previously made allegations regarding electoral irregularities by President Maduro. Ms. Machado has publicly expressed strong support for President Trump’s military buildup, aligning with Mr. Trump’s assertion that President Maduro poses a national security threat to the region. Additionally, she has stated that, in the event of Mr. Maduro’s removal, her movement is prepared to assume territorial and administrative control of Venezuela.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10/10/world/nobel-peace-prize