OSLO: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.

Machado was recognised for her “courageous and unwavering commitment to achieving democratic change through peaceful means,” the Committee said, highlighting her decades-long struggle against authoritarian rule in her country.

Her selection comes after weeks of speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump might be considered for his role in Middle East diplomacy and the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Committee, however, said the decision had been finalised earlier this week, reaffirming that the prize honours sustained contributions to peace rather than short-term political developments.

“The Nobel Peace Prize celebrates those who have shown enduring moral leadership,” the Committee noted. “Maria Corina Machado represents the power of peaceful resistance and the pursuit of freedom under the most difficult conditions.”

Machado, one of Venezuela’s most prominent opposition figures, has faced political persecution, disqualification from elections, and repeated threats from the government. Despite these challenges, she has continued to advocate for free elections and democratic reform.

Her recognition was widely seen as a symbolic victory for pro-democracy movements across Latin America and beyond. International leaders and rights organisations praised the Nobel Committee’s choice, describing it as a message of hope to those living under repressive regimes.

Trump, who had publicly received nominations for the prize, congratulated the winner but expressed disappointment at the outcome.