Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been named the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering fight for democracy and human rights under President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

Announcing the award in Oslo, the Nobel Committee praised the 58-year-old for her courage and lifelong fight for democracy and peace in Venezuela.

Machado, a former lawmaker and strong critic of Maduro, has faced harassment, bans, and threats for leading the opposition’s fight to bring back democracy in crisis-hit Venezuela. In her reaction to the award, Machado dedicated it to the people of Venezuela, saying it was a recognition of their struggle and a motivation to keep fighting for freedom.

The 2025 Peace Prize attracted worldwide attention, with other notable figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, also mentioned as possible nominees. Trump, who has often said he wants the award, claimed he deserved it for helping to end several international conflicts.

Machado’s victory is viewed as a strong show of support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, which is still fighting for free elections and an end to years of economic problems and political oppression.