Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan democracy activist, received life-changing news in a late-night phone call from Oslo. Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, informed her that she had been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Overwhelmed with disbelief, Machado expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing that the recognition was not just for her but for the entire movement and society she represents.
Harpviken reassured Machado that both she and the movement deserved the honor, reading aloud the official citation which highlighted Machado’s tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and advocating for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. In response, Machado, speaking on behalf of the Venezuelan people, expressed her honor and gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the ongoing collective efforts towards achieving their goals.
Despite the emotional impact of the news, Machado was reminded to keep the information confidential until the official announcement in Oslo. She expressed her astonishment and gratitude, acknowledging the recognition as a significant achievement for the Venezuelan people. Harpviken commended Machado for her contributions and expressed anticipation for future conversations.
In a heartfelt conclusion to the call, Machado, still processing the news, expressed her gratitude once again, leaving Harpviken with a sense of speechlessness. The official announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate would follow shortly, marking a pivotal moment in Machado’s advocacy for democracy in Venezuela.