Oslo, Norway – In her first public appearance in nearly a year, Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado affirmed that she “will do everything in her power for Venezuela.” She emphasized the continuation of her fight against what she described as “tyranny” in her country during a press conference held in Oslo after her arrival, which was supported by the US administration.
Machado arrived Thursday evening at the Grand Hotel, a hotel that has traditionally hosted Nobel laureates, after a journey she said “many risked their lives” to make to leave Venezuela. She also confirmed that she received assistance from the United States that helped her leave the country and reach Norway.
The 58-year-old opposition leader, who was awarded the prize in recognition of her efforts to promote democratic transition in Venezuela, spoke of her determination to continue her struggle despite the “imminent dangers.” She said, “I came to accept the award on behalf of the Venezuelan people, and I will return in due course to complete the mission, end the tyranny, and establish democracy.”
She emphasized that political activism against President Nicolás Maduro is fraught with danger. She also noted that “every opponent in Venezuela pays a heavy price for participating in political life.”
Machado’s appearance comes amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Washington has deployed a large naval fleet to the Caribbean under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, a move that has angered Maduro, who accuses the US of seeking to seize Venezuelan oil.
The support Machado received from some circles close to US President Donald Trump also sparked widespread controversy. Their political positions were similar to his.
Her daughter accepted the award on her behalf on Wednesday. This was due to her being forced into hiding in Venezuela since August 2024, because of government accusations of “conspiracy, incitement to hatred, and terrorism.”
During the conference, Machado appeared emotional as she spoke about reuniting with her three children – Corinna, Enrique, and Ricardo – who live abroad. She confirmed that she spent the night reliving the moment of their reunion after a separation of more than two years.
Machado calls for the necessity of fighting for freedom
In a speech before a number of diplomats and Argentine President Javier Pellegrini, she stressed the need to “struggle for freedom.” She also called for exposing the human rights abuses taking place in Venezuela, including kidnappings, torture, and the persecution of dissidents. She further stated that United Nations reports have documented “crimes against humanity.”
The European Union and the United States rejected the results of last year’s presidential election, which Maduro won. The opposition maintains that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia – currently residing in Madrid – is the rightful winner.
In a rare move, the Nobel Committee explicitly called on President Maduro to accept the election results and step down. Committee Chairman Jürgen Friedenis stated, “Mr. Maduro, accept the results and step down.”
Machado’s pronouncements from Oslo, and her sharp political messages, have brought the Venezuelan issue back to the forefront of international attention. This comes at a time when calls are growing for a return to democracy and an end to political repression in the country.
