The Norwegian Nobel Committee this Friday urged Nicolás Maduro to recognize the results of last year’s presidential elections already allow a peaceful transition towards democracy.
The statement was made by Jørgen Watne Frydnes, president of the committee, after announcing that the opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
He stressed that the award not only rewards Machado’s bravery, but also seeks to send a message to the Venezuelan regime about need to respect the popular will.
“María Corina Machado is an extraordinary example of civil courage. She led the opposition in 2024 to rise up against the dictatorship and win the elections, Even though the regime continues to target them, they are a force for peace and democracy,” Watne told the press.
The Norwegian Committee emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize is the most prestigious recognition worldwide and that this year the prize meets the three criteria of Alfred Nobel’s will. He stressed that democracy is a precondition for peace.
Furthermore, Frydnes addressed the autocratic leaders of the world: “Choose votes, not bullets!”.
The presidential candidate Edmundo González, with the support of María Corina Machado, He defeated Nicolás Maduro with more than 7 million votes in the elections of July 28 of last year. Even so, and with the evidence of victory that the opposition itself presented to the world, the regime has refused to leave power and publish the evidence that corroborates the supposed victory it obtained.
A Nobel for all Venezuelans who fight for freedom
Machado, who remains in hiding in Venezuela due to threats against his life, thanked the recognition: “On behalf of the people of Venezuela, who have fought for their freedom with admirable courage, dignity, intelligence and love.”
In a statement, he stated that the award represents an impulse to complete the task of “conquering freedom” and highlighted the importance of international support, including that of the US government of Donald Trump.
“Today more than ever we count on President Donald Trump, the people of the United States, the people of Latin America and the democratic nations of the world as allies to achieve freedom and democracy. “Venezuela will be free,” he pointed out.
The Nobel Committee highlighted that Machado represents the hope for a different future, where citizens’ fundamental rights are protected and their voices are heard. He also recalled that the tools of democracy are also tools of peace and that the award seeks to strengthen democratic efforts inside and outside Venezuela.
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize will take place on December 10 in Oslo, while the rest of the awards will be presented in Stockholm. Jørgen Watne Frydnes expressed his hope that Machado can travel to Oslo to receive the award, although he warned that his security situation must be resolved first.
All of this year’s Nobel Prize winners are endowed with approximately 1.2 million dollars.
