Renew Europe celebrates Nobel Peace Prize for Venezuelan democracy leader María Corina Machado

Renew Europe celebrates the awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a member of the liberal international family, whose extraordinary courage in standing against communist dictatorship has inspired millions. This historic honor follows the European Parliament's 2024 Sakharov Prize and sends an unmistakable signal: the world stands with Venezuela's democratic forces against brutal repression.

“We warmly congratulate María Corina Machado on being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition both just and deeply deserved. Her steadfast commitment to democracy, human rights and freedom in Venezuela resonates far beyond her country’s borders, reminding us that the struggle for liberty is a universal cause. This distinction shines a light on the courage of all those who refuse to yield to oppression.”, said Ana Vasconcelos, Renew MEP and Renew Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat) Coordinator.

"Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Renew MEP and EuroLat member commented: “Today is a day of profound joy and emotion. María Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition that confirms what we have known for some time: her courage and struggle for the freedom and democracy of the Venezuelan people. It is something that we had the privilege of recognising a year ago in the European Parliament when we awarded her the Sakharov Prize 2024, together with Edmundo González, as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela. Today, the world celebrates the work of a tireless woman and an indefatigable fighter who has risked everything for the freedom of her people and who fights courageously against oppression. We will always be against repression and dictatorship.”

Last year, Renew Europe demonstrated solidarity when MEP João Cotrim de Figueiredo organized a major event honoring the 2024 Sakharov Prize laureates. That gathering celebrated defenders of freedom and human rights across Europe, reaffirming that our commitment to fundamental liberties transcends borders and geography. By publicly standing behind human rights defenders in such a visible way, Renew Europe sent a strong message of unity and moral clarity to all those fighting oppression.

Ana Vasconcelos added: “Today’s Nobel award to María Corina is an extension of that same spirit. It underscores that democracy cannot be taken for granted and that the European Union - together with liberal and pro-freedom voices - must continue to support those who risk everything to defend it. We are reminded that when political forces join hands, even across continents, the voices of the oppressed are amplified and the walls of authoritarianism can be challenged. Iniciativa Liberal and Renew will continue to champion María Corina’s cause and the broader cause of freedom in Venezuela. We pledge to advocate for increased international pressure, human rights monitoring, and sustained support for those who bravely resist and stand up to oppression. To those who persevere in the darkest times: you are not forgotten. The European liberals will stand with you.”