The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights in her country.

In its announcement, the committee said Machado was honoured for her“unwavering struggle for the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and her pursuit of a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

Machado was among 338 nominees for this year's prize, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations from around the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize carries a monetary award of 1.2 million U.S. dollars, to be presented at a ceremony in Oslo later this year.

Her selection comes amid renewed global attention on Venezuela's political crisis and human rights situation, as the opposition continues to call for free and fair elections.

The announcement also drew comparisons to recent speculation surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump, who was widely discussed in media circles as a potential nominee for this year's award.

Last year, a Japanese humanitarian organization received the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in nuclear disarmament and global peace education.

Analysts say the award to Machado is a powerful signal of international support for Venezuela's pro-democracy movement and may increase pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government to allow greater political freedoms.

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