Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made a dramatic return to public view on Thursday, arriving in Oslo after nearly a year in hiding. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient stepped onto the balcony of the Grand Hotel-an iconic tradition for laureates-where supporters erupted in applause as she waved in a black jacket and jeans. Hours earlier, her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the prestigious award on her behalf during a ceremony at Oslo City Hall.
Later in the morning, Machado went outside to meet well-wishers gathered near the hotel. She embraced supporters, many of whom had waited through the cold night, and joined them in singing Venezuela’s national anthem. The crowd chanted “freedom,” “courage,” and “president” as she greeted them.
A Dangerous Journey to Safety
Machado’s arrival followed what allies describe as a perilous escape from Venezuela. She reportedly traveled by boat to Curaçao on Tuesday before flying to Norway aboard a private aircraft. In an audio message released by the Norwegian Nobel Institute shortly before the ceremony, Machado confirmed she was en route and expressed gratitude to those who helped her flee, saying many had taken significant personal risks.
During the prize ceremony, Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes emphasized the difficulty Machado faced in trying to attend in person, noting that her travel carried “extreme danger.” A large portrait of Machado was displayed behind the podium to symbolize her presence.
Award Amid Political Conflict
Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her two-decade effort to strengthen democratic rights in Venezuela and advocate for a peaceful transition away from authoritarian rule. The committee described her as a powerful example of civilian bravery in Latin America.
The government of President Nicolás Maduro condemned the award, accusing Machado of inciting unrest and collaborating with foreign governments. State-aligned broadcasters avoided showing the ceremony, instead airing a message from Maduro that mocked the recognition and praised protesters who demonstrated in Oslo earlier in the week. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed Machado’s absence showed she feared public backlash.
Daughter’s Call for Democratic Renewal
Accepting the award on behalf of her mother, Ana Corina Sosa Machado delivered an emotional speech reflecting on the significance of the prize for Venezuelans seeking political change. She urged the international community not to overlook the stakes of the country’s struggle, stating that peace is impossible without democracy. She expressed hope that Venezuela would eventually embrace an orderly path toward free institutions and a renewed civic life.
The ceremony drew notable regional support, with the presidents of Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay attending in solidarity with Venezuelans advocating for political reform. Meanwhile, thousands of government supporters in Caracas marched in an unrelated annual commemoration of the 1859 Battle of Santa Inés.
Machado’s Political Road and Years of Repression
A 58-year-old industrial engineer from Caracas, Machado rose to prominence in 2002 after helping create the election-monitoring organization Súmate. She later served in the National Assembly and founded the political party Vente Venezuela. Her prominence increased during national protests in 2014, which were met with widespread detentions and clashes that left dozens dead. Months later, the ruling party removed her from the legislature.
In 2024, after winning an opposition primary, Machado was barred from running in the presidential election. She threw her support behind Edmundo González Urrutia, whom the opposition recognized as the rightful winner after alleging Maduro falsified results. Machado disappeared from public view in early 2025 after briefly appearing at an anti-government rally. The government warned she would be considered a fugitive if she attempted to leave the country.
Next Steps in Oslo and Rising Regional Tensions
Machado is expected to speak publicly in Oslo on Thursday alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and will later meet lawmakers at the Norwegian parliament. Her arrival comes during heightened geopolitical tension. Following the 2025 U.S. election, Washington deployed military assets near Venezuelan waters as part of what officials described as anti-drug operations-an assertion Venezuela rejects, calling it political pressure aimed at toppling Maduro.
Machado has welcomed growing international scrutiny and recently released a “freedom manifesto” outlining her vision for a democratic Venezuela.
