Where lies the controversy over Machado's Nobel Peace Prize

Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts to establish democracy in Venezuela and fight against authoritarianism. The Nobel Committee praised her courage and steadfastness, highlighting her significant role in uniting opposition political parties even in the face of political threats and dangers.

The Nobel Committee described Machado as a “champion of peace”, who has kept the flame of democracy alive in Venezuela amidst growing darkness. Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Fridnes described her as a key, unifying figure in a country where opposition parties were once divided. He said that Machado symbolizes a different future, where citizens’ fundamental rights are protected and their voices are heard.

Fridnes further said, “Last year, Machado had to live in secrecy. Despite serious threats to her life, she did not leave the country. This courage has inspired millions. When dictators seize power, it is extremely important to recognize such brave defenders of freedom.”

However, her award has sparked major controversy. Many have questioned her political stance and past affiliations. The main reasons for the debate are:

Support for Israel and stance on the Gaza conflict
Machado has faced criticism for her strong support of Israel and close ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. She referred to Israel as a “true ally of freedom” and compared Venezuela’s democratic struggle to Israel’s wars.

Norwegian MP Bjørnar Moxnes noted that Machado signed a cooperation agreement with Israel’s Likud party in 2020. Since the Likud party is held responsible for the “Gaza genocide”, he argued that this award does not align with the Nobel Prize’s core purpose.

Calls for foreign intervention
Machado has repeatedly called for foreign intervention to overthrow the Venezuelan government. Critics argue that such appeals contradict the Nobel Peace Prize’s core principle—change through peaceful means. In 2018, she sent a letter seeking support from Argentina and Israel to use their influence to “topple Venezuela’s criminal government.” The letter was shared online.

Connections to right-wing politics
Some have accused Machado of being connected to right-wing and far-right politics in Europe and the United States. According to them, she has spread political instability instead of peace. She has delivered speeches at several far-right conferences and supported sanctions and political pressure on Venezuela.

Criticism and reactions
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the decision as “morally unacceptable”, stating it tarnishes the Nobel Committee’s reputation. Many social movements and regional leaders in Latin America have rejected the decision of the Nobel Committee. Additionally, communist parties and human rights organizations from various countries have also condemned the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Machado.

Dedication to Trump
The controversy grew further when Machado dedicated her Nobel Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump administration had previously criticized the Nobel Committee for prioritizing politics over peace, making the award even more politically divisive.

This is not the first controversy over the Nobel Peace Prize. Among the disputed decisions in Nobel history are Henry Kissinger’s award in 1973, which many critics argued he did not deserve as a peace-maker but rather played a far-reaching role in escalating wars; Yasser Arafat’s award in 1994, despite allegations of involvement in armed attacks; and Barack Obama’s award in 2009, when he had not yet achieved any significant peace accomplishments.

International media perspectives
Various international media outlets have also written about the considerable controversy surrounding Machado’s Nobel Prize this time. Hong Kong’s media outlet, The Standard, writes, ‘ Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, and US presidents from George W. Bush onward have supported opposition forces there, with the National Endowment for Democracy suspected as a key funder. Reports suggest Machado promised Trump's son that, if in power, she would privatize Venezuela's oil industry, allowing US companies to profit and control supplies.

The Hindustan Times reported that some of Machado was criticised by some for her purported connections to conservative political movements in Europe and for being too close to right-wing US interests.

While Machado's Nobel win is being met with joy, there's also acknowledgement that it will do little to improve the situation Venezuelans at risk of deportation face in the US.

Turkey’s Anadolu Agency reported that in one post, Machado wrote, “The struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel,” later calling Israel a “genuine ally of freedom.”

NDTV World noted that after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, she expressed solidarity with Israel but never publicly supported the killing of Palestinians. However, her posts over the years confirm her alignment with Netanyahu. She even pledged that if she came to power, she would move the Venezuelan embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

CAIR stated, “Ms. Machado is a clear supporter of Israel’s discriminatory Likud party and earlier this year spoke at a European fascist conference where a public call for a ‘new Reconquista’ was made—referring to the ethnic cleansing of Muslims and Jews in Spain in the 1500s.”

ormer Podemos leader and ex-Venezuelan vice president Pablo Iglesias said, “Awarding Corina Machado the Nobel Peace Prize means recognizing someone who has spent years attempting uprisings in her country. By the same logic, Trump or even posthumous Hitler could have been awarded. Next year, perhaps Putin and Zelensky could share it.”

Many social movements and regional leaders in Latin America have rejected the decision of the Nobel Committee. The Argentine interfaith group Mesa Ecuménica expressed "deep confusion and discontent" following Friday’s award announcement. According to them, the Nobel Committee has "undermined the legacy of previous laureates." They stated, "Such awards should recognize work that is long-lasting, verifiable, and fosters peace, justice, and unity among people. But Machado’s actions seem far removed from these principles."

The Dominican Solidarity Movement and several political organizations view the award as a "betrayal of peace" and say that the Nobel Peace Prize has now become "a tool for Western intervention in Latin America." They added, "A person who has openly called for U.S. and Israeli military interventions has been given the prize, which disrespects Alfred Nobel’s pacifist vision."

Some anti-fascist international organizations have also criticized the award. They argue that it can be seen as support for Washington’s foreign policy, especially at a time when military threats were posed against Caracas and the U.S. Navy was deployed in the Caribbean Sea.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the Nobel Committee has "descended to an unthinkable level of politics and bias." Former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said that the award "has transformed a symbol of peace into an instrument of modern colonialism."

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called Machado "malicious," as her calls for foreign intervention have been widely rejected by the Venezuelan people. Recent surveys show that over 90% of Venezuelans oppose foreign interference. Machado’s candidacy was promoted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is a leading supporter of regime change in Venezuela.

The Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV) described Machado’s award as a "false congress," arguing that it supports U.S. intervention and paves the way for foreign powers to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.

Some human rights organizations have also expressed concern over Machado’s connections with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and her support for U.S. military intervention.

In summary, Machado is seen by her supporters as a brave champion of democracy in Venezuela. But critics argue that her political ties, calls for foreign intervention, and pro-Israel stance have turned the Nobel Peace Prize from a symbol of peace into a marker of global political division. Machado’s political stance and the current geopolitical situation have thus fueled intense debate over her Nobel victory. Therefore, Machado’s Nobel Prize is not only a matter of celebration but also a reflection of today’s geopolitical conflicts.