Venezuela’s Machado Calls for Global Defense of Democracy After Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado used her Nobel Peace Prize spotlight on Wednesday to deliver a message aimed far beyond her country’s borders. In a speech read by her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, the laureate urged democracies around the world to remain vigilant and willing to defend freedom, saying that peace and stability depend on a global commitment to democratic values.
Machado was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to ongoing political pressures in Venezuela, but her daughter conveyed her words to the international audience. The absence underscored the challenges faced by opposition figures in the country, yet it also amplified the emotional impact of her message. Machado said the award carried deep meaning not only for Venezuelans but for people everywhere who continue to strive for political rights and fundamental liberties.
She reflected on the symbolism of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize at a time when Venezuela is enduring a prolonged political and economic crisis. For her, the recognition serves as a reminder that democracy cannot be taken for granted. She emphasized that maintaining free institutions and protecting civil liberties requires unwavering resolve, especially when authoritarian forces attempt to erode them. Machado said Venezuela’s recent history offers a powerful example of what it means to keep pushing forward even under severe constraints.
Her remarks highlighted the lessons learned by Venezuelans throughout years of political struggle. She described a journey marked by hardship, resilience and the determination of citizens who refuse to abandon their belief in democratic governance. The central message, she said, is that democracy demands active engagement and, at times, personal sacrifice. While the fight is difficult, the alternative is losing the very freedoms that allow societies to thrive.
Machado also framed her message within a broader global context. Around the world, she noted, democratic systems are facing rising pressure from political polarization, economic uncertainty and challenges posed by authoritarian models. In such an environment, the Nobel recognition serves as both an encouragement and a warning. She urged democratic nations to strengthen solidarity, defend shared values and remain firm against attempts to undermine institutions that safeguard human rights.
The audience responded warmly to the speech, with many observers remarking on the significance of a Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to someone unable to participate freely in the civic life of her own country. Machado’s daughter, who delivered the remarks with emotion and clarity, said the prize belonged to all Venezuelans who continue to believe in a peaceful and democratic future.
Machado’s call for global commitment resonated across international media, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for democratic freedoms not only in Venezuela but in many other regions experiencing political strain. As celebrations concluded, her words continued to echo: democracy must be defended, nurtured and protected, or it risks fading away.
