Oslo – Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who spent more than a year in hiding due to mounting pressure and threats from President Nicolás Maduro’s government, has finally resurfaced in Norway after being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Her public appearance has electrified supporters worldwide and renewed global attention on Venezuela’s long-standing political crisis.
Machado, 58, had gone underground after being disqualified from contesting the 2024 presidential elections and accused of inciting anti-government demonstrations. Her absence became a powerful symbol of the Maduro government’s tightening grip on dissent, with many fearing for her safety as authorities labelled her a fugitive.
Her Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for her “relentless advocacy for democratic rights and peaceful political transition,” marked a dramatic shift in global recognition of Venezuelan opposition efforts. Due to security concerns, Machado missed the formal ceremony, where her daughter received the award on her behalf — but she managed to reach Oslo shortly afterward in a discreetly coordinated move.
Appearing on the balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Machado was greeted by a crowd of supporters chanting “libertad,” waving flags, and holding banners celebrating her resilience. The emotional reunion with her family and the powerful symbolism of her emergence have stirred hope among Venezuelans both at home and in exile.
Analysts believe her resurfacing, paired with the credibility and global visibility of a Nobel Prize, could significantly strengthen democratic movements opposing Maduro. Her re-entry into the international spotlight is being viewed as a bold assertion that the opposition remains active and unbroken, despite years of political suppression.
However, her future path remains uncertain. Experts warn that returning to Venezuela could trigger a fresh wave of arrests or escalation, as the Maduro administration has historically targeted vocal critics with harsh measures. For now, Machado’s presence in Norway serves as both a message and a warning: the struggle for democracy in Venezuela continues, and the world is watching more closely than ever.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.