María Corina Machado

Black and white image of Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado. She looks seriously off to one side standing in a crowd of people.
Carlos Díaz | CC BY 2.0

➡️ MARÍA CORINA MACHADO – Divisive & Controversial Venezuelan Politician

María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025 "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."

Once again, a politically motivated prize from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Far too often, this prize is awarded to advocates of (Western-style) democracy, the environment or human rights.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is responsible for the Nobel Peace Prize. Its members are selected by the Norwegian Parliament. They usually are former politicians of the major parties or closely associated with them.

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While many of Machado's actions may be laudable and the defence of democracy against authoritarianism is crucial (see Donald Trump in the USA), it ignores the fact that Venezuela's economy is crushed by U.S. sanctions and that Alfred Nobel had something else in mind when he wrote his will: "... the person who has done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations and for the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

More vocal critics describe Machado as a far-right extremist or right-wing politician, aligned with U.S. imperialism. She has advocated for tougher U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and has asked Donald Trump for intervention. She is allegedly supporting a coup against Venezuelan President Maduro, and she intends to privatise the country's state oil industry. She has also called for regime change in other Latin American countries with the help of U.S. military forces.

Machado dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to the suffering people of Venezuela (the opposition) and President Trump (the champion of democracy) for his decisive support. Or, as the Venezuelan CodePink campaigner wrote: "She's the smiling face of Washington's regime-change machine, the polished spokesperson for sanctions, privatisation, and foreign intervention dressed up as democracy." Although her contributions to democracy may have been valuable, she is not quite the champion for peace she is described to be by the Nobel Committee.

We highly recommend you read the following articles about Machado by two Venezuelan experts on Latin America: CommonDreams 11.10.25 and CommonDreams 10.10.25; and by Prof. Greg Grandin, a historian of Latin America at Yale University: DemocracyNow! 10.10.25 and truthout 10.10.25.

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María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan politician and activist known for her steadfast commitment to democracy and human rights. As a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government, she has been a pivotal figure in the country's opposition movement. Machado's career is marked by her unwavering dedication to advocating for transparency, freedom, and the rule of law in Venezuela. Her efforts have often put her at odds with the ruling authorities, leading to numerous challenges and confrontations. Despite these obstacles, she remains a symbol of resistance and hope for many Venezuelans seeking change and reform in their nation.

Critics of María Corina Machado often highlight her polarizing presence in Venezuelan politics. Some argue that her staunch opposition to the government and uncompromising stance can be both a strength and a limitation. They point out that while her rhetoric energizes those disenchanted with the status quo, it may also alienate potential allies who favor more moderate approaches. Critics also note her struggle to translate her popularity into broader electoral success, questioning whether her leadership can effectively bridge the deep divides within the opposition. Additionally, some express concerns about her ability to navigate the complex international dynamics affecting Venezuela, suggesting that her approach might lack the diplomatic nuance required in such a volatile environment.

María Corina Machado is a lightning rod in Venezuelan politics, drawing sharp criticism for her uncompromising approach. Critics argue that her relentless opposition to the government often borders on intransigence, which can stifle constructive dialogue. Her rhetoric, while stirring for her base, is seen as divisive and lacking in pragmatism, potentially alienating moderates and those seeking practical solutions. Detractors question her effectiveness, pointing out her limited success in converting popularity into tangible political achievements. Furthermore, her confrontational style may not bode well for navigating Venezuela's intricate international relations, where diplomacy and strategic alliances are crucial. Some see her as more of a symbol of protest than a leader capable of uniting a fractured opposition and driving real change.

Author: Norbert Stute, Date: 11.10.25, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 - Work in progress. Suggestions welcome.

The last three paragraphs were written by ChatGPT 4.0, the 2nd and 3th one after being asked to be more critical once and twice.