Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado arrived in Oslo late Thursday night after being unable to attend the award ceremony earlier that day due to her efforts to escape Venezuela under a travel ban. The 58-year-old engineer had spent over a year in hiding, risking her safety to receive this prestigious accolade.
Joergen Watne Frydnes, head of the Nobel committee, confirmed Machado’s arrival at a gathering in the Grand Hotel’s lobby. He mentioned that she would first reconnect with her family before undertaking public appearances. In her absence, her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the Nobel Prize on her behalf, delivering an emotional speech that relayed her mother’s commitment to the fight for democracy.
Machado stressed the importance of this honor, not only for Venezuela but for the entire globe. She stated, “It reminds the world that democracy is essential to peace.” Her daughter’s heartfelt words resonated with the audience as she conveyed the indispensable message that achieving democracy requires a persistent commitment to freedom.
To escape from Venezuela, Machado traveled by boat to the Caribbean island of Curacao before continuing to Norway on a private flight organized by her security team. A large portrait of Machado adorned Oslo City Hall, and attendees erupted in cheers when they received news of her arrival.
Frydnes drew parallels between Machado’s struggles and those of past laureates such as Nelson Mandela and Lech Walesa, highlighting the profound obligations faced by advocates of democracy. He emphasized that achieving freedom is a daily commitment and that Machado’s cause resonates globally.
Reflecting on Venezuela’s political landscape, Machado noted that many citizens failed to grasp the severity of the country’s shift towards authoritarianism until it became too late. She lamented the neglect towards the fragility of democratic institutions during Hugo Chavez’s presidency, stating, “Many thought that charisma could substitute the rule of law.”
Machado’s political journey has been fraught with challenges, highlighted by her significant victory in the opposition’s primary for the presidential election, from which she was ultimately barred from participating. Facing increasing threats from President Nicolas Maduro’s regime, she has become a prominent figure in the struggle against its authoritarian governance.
Amid her fight for democratic ideals, Machado dedicated part of her Nobel honors to Trump, drawing a connection with those who view Maduro as a threat to U.S. security. This position has ignited discussions about international involvement in Venezuela and raised ethical questions regarding military engagement.
Machado’s resilience amid adversity serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for those who champion freedom and justice. Her determination reinforces the belief that the struggle for democracy is a universal endeavor, underscoring the vital importance of standing firm in the face of oppression.