2025 Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Maria Corina Machado : Shared by Kul Gautam

 

My dear Teresa, 

I am thrilled that your dear friend and Venezuela's indefatigable leader Maria Corina Machado has won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025! 

What a great honor and encouragement for the people of Venezuela and their struggle for freedom from the dictatorship of Nicholas Maduro and Chavismo. 

I cherish the hope that this noble award will help accelerate the victory of the Venezuelan people to regain genuine democracy, and give momentum to similar movements against authoritarianism worldwide. 

With fond memories of our travel together in Venezuela, Haiti and elsewhere during our time together at UNICEF!

Kul Gautam

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Jessica Rawnsley and Vanessa Buschschluter
BBC News
Click here for the article

Summary
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to restoring democracy in Venezuela. Praised by the Nobel Committee as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America,” Machado has continued to campaign despite being barred from elections, threatened with arrest, and forced into hiding. Her efforts to unify Venezuela’s opposition and push for democratic transition have inspired millions. The award comes amid rising global authoritarianism, with the Nobel Committee warning of “democracy in retreat.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump—who has lobbied openly for the prize—was not among the laureates and responded through aides by accusing the committee of politicization.

Quotes
• “This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is an impetus to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.” – María Corina Machado
• “She has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions.” – Nobel Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes
• “We are on the threshold of victory... today more than ever we count on President Trump... and the democratic nations of the world.” – Machado
• “Well-deserved recognition for the long struggle of a woman and of an entire people for our freedom and democracy.” – Edmundo González
• “[The] rule of law abused by those in control, free media silenced, critics imprisoned and societies pushed towards authoritarian rule and militarisation.” – Frydnes
• “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives... there will never be anyone like him.” – Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung
• “We base our decision only on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel.” – Frydnes

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