The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Machado was awarded the prestigious honour for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

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Machado is Venezuela’s opposition leader.

Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in promoting democracy and fighting dictatorship in her country. There has been persistent speculation ahead of the announcement about the possibility of the prize going to US President Donald Trump, fuelled in part by the president himself, amplified by this week’s approval of his plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

However, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said that the former opposition presidential candidate was being lauded for being a “key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government.”

“In the past year, Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”

As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, Machado, often called Venezuela’s iron lady, is seen as an example of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times. She has emerged as a key figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government.

Venezuela has evolved from a relatively democratic and prosperous country to a brutal, authoritarian state that is now suffering a humanitarian and economic crisis. Currently, most people in the country live in deep poverty, even as the few at the top enrich themselves.

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