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María Corina Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, and why she was chosen:
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Who she is
Venezuelan opposition leader and politician.
Trained as an engineer and in finance.
Founder or co-founder of civil society and political groups, such as Atenea Foundation (for helping street children) and Súmate (for monitoring elections / promoting fair elections).
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Major Contributions / What She Did to Earn the Prize
1. Promoting Democracy & Democratic Rights
Machado has been a leading figure in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement over many years, working even under threat from the government.
She helped mobilize people, document election irregularities, promote free and fair elections, and keep alive democratic ideals in a country increasingly under authoritarian pressure.
2. Civic & Grassroots Organizing
Through civil society work: groups that monitor elections, promote transparency, engage citizens. For example, she co-founded Súmate, which has been involved in election monitoring.
She also played a role in unifying different opposition forces under alliances (e.g. Soy Venezuela) to strengthen the push for democratic transition.
3. Personal Courage & Resistance Under Repression
Despite threats, political disqualification (being barred from running for office), expulsion from the National Assembly, and punitive measures against her, she has remained a visible symbol of resistance.
At the time she was awarded, she was in hiding inside Venezuela fearing retaliation from the regime.
4. Peaceful & Just Transition Emphasis
Her struggle is noted not just for opposing dictatorship, but for seeking a just and peaceful transition. The Nobel Committee emphasized this — that her work is for democracy, rights, elections, civic life, not violence.
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Significance
The award highlights how democracy under pressure is intimately connected with peace: for the Nobel Committee, democracy (freedom of expression, free elections, and lawful government) is a foundation for internal stability and peace among nations.
It underscores the role of civilian courage and civil society against authoritarianism.
It draws international attention to the situation in Venezuela: political repression, election issues, human rights abuses, and the importance of accountability.