María Corina Machado is an internationally known Venezuelan opposition leader. She’s gained international recognition for her unyielding struggle for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Last month, she accomplished quite a feat — winning the illustrious Nobel Peace Prize. She was awarded this distinction for her tireless struggle to advance democratic rights, despite the opposition of a dictatorial government. Machado’s daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her mother’s behalf during a ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
As we’ve said before, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has just honored María Corina Machado. Secondly, they applaud her continued commitment to realizing a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. The committee commended her work in cultivating national and international support for democratic governance. This recognition is all the more important given the current political instability and human rights abuses occurring in the country.
A Political Journey
Born in Caracas in 1967, María Corina Machado began her professional life as an industrial engineer prior to entering the political fray. She jumped into the political fray in 2004. She first rose to national fame by participating in an ultimately unsuccessful coup to oust then-President Hugo Chávez. This formative experience undergirded her long-time passion for advocating democratic rights. This experience motivated her to become the co-founder of the volunteer organization Súmate, which encourages political rights through civic education and independent election monitoring.
Her path on the political stage persisted with her winning election to the National Assembly in 2010. In 2012, she started the Vente Venezuela political party. Since then, it has grown into perhaps the most effective force within the opposition against Nicolás Maduro’s repressive government. In 2014, she evolved into one of the chief advocates for protests that arose to fight against Maduro’s dictatorial regime. She advocated for making the decision to use “ballots not bullets.” Over the decades of her career, our champion, Machado, has endured many kinds of trauma, including threats to her physical safety and liberty.
In November, she released a freedom manifesto laying out the groundwork of what her new Venezuela would look like once Nicolás Maduro is defeated. In fact, she’s had to go into hiding since late 2022 due to increased security threats. Even so, she is uncompromisingly committed to fighting for the Venezuelan people.
The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
At the Oslo award ceremony, Ana Corina Sosa Machado delivered an impassioned acceptance speech on behalf of her mother. She emphasized the award’s incredible symbolic value. She said that one day soon those yet unborn would think about the courage exhibited by their mothers and fathers who fought for democracy.
“We will see grandmothers settle children on their laps to tell them stories not of distant forefathers, but of their own parents’ courage.” – Ana Corina Sosa Machado
Ana also emphasized the lessons that can be learned from Venezuela’s ongoing fight. She claimed that that struggle for freedom is the only path towards democracy.
“And more than anything, what we Venezuelans can offer the world is the lesson forged through this long and difficult journey: that to have democracy, we must be willing to fight for freedom.” – Ana Corina Sosa Machado
Their presence at the ceremony would send a powerful message of renewed solidarity with Venezuela’s democratic aspirations. More recently, it has emphasized the importance of international support to their struggle.
A Call for Unity and Support
María Corina Machado welcomes the growing international pressure on Maduro’s regime. She’s been very proactive about building that coalition of support, actively reaching out to international and national allies. She has always called on the citizenry to stay woke and woke together in their fight for democracy.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has shochnagged on Machado’s work. In a way, he’s attempting a magic trick of misdirection — drawing eyes to the successes of his administration. He said that real leadership puts the interests of its citizens ahead of any ambitions for worldwide hegemony.
“What matters to us is the life of the people, health, work, housing, the prosperity of our homeland, the new economy. One has to be concerned as president with the truth of the people, with the issues of the people, and not want to govern the world.” – Nicolás Maduro
Maduro even thanked the demonstrators in Oslo who protested his regime. His acceptance is a sign that he is in touch with the world’s attitudes towards his administration.
“I thanked the people of Oslo for protesting.” – Nicolás Maduro
María Corina Machado prepares for a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. To do that, she hopes to use the tour to get her vision of a democratic Venezuela’s future and her growing support on international stages.
