María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized her for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights and her struggle to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Who is María Corina Machado?
Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela, María Corina Machado is the daughter of psychologist Corina Parisca and businessman Henrique Machado Zuloaga. She pursued industrial engineering at Andrés Bello Catholic University and later earned a master’s degree in finance from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) in Caracas.
Political Career and Advocacy
Founding Súmate
In 2002, Machado co-founded Súmate, a Venezuelan election monitoring and citizens’ rights group. The organization played a crucial role in advocating for electoral transparency and democratic processes in Venezuela.
Vente Venezuela
Machado is the National Coordinator of Vente Venezuela, a political party she founded in 2012. The party advocates for liberal economic policies, democratic governance, and human rights.
Advocacy for Democracy
Throughout her political career, Machado has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government’s authoritarian practices. She has consistently called for free and fair elections, the protection of human rights, and the restoration of democratic institutions in Venezuela
Legacy and Impact.
María Corina Machado’s recognition with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize underscores her significant role in the global movement for democracy and human rights. Her resilience and dedication continue to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide committed to promoting democratic values and human dignity.
