Machado Arrives in Oslo to Receive the Peace Prize
Maria Corina Machado is planned to arrive in Oslo, with U.S. assistance, the day before the Nobel ceremony. She will be greeted by both supporters and fierce criticism as this year’s Peace Prize continues to spark political debate.
This article is updated below
Desember 9, 2025 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
When the Nobel Committee announced this year’s laureate in October, it was unclear whether Maria Corina Machado would be able to leave Venezuela to receive the award. According to unconfirmed reports from NRK, she left Venezuela aboard a U.S. military plane that was deporting Venezuelan migrants from the United States.
It remains uncertain whether Machado will be able to return to Venezuela, where she has led the opposition against President Maduro and lived in hiding since last year. The Nobel Committee stated that she received the prize for her tireless work to secure democratic rights for the people of Venezuela, and for her struggle for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Machado’s family arrived in Oslo yesterday. Despite controversy surrounding the laureate in Norway, supporters both domestically and internationally have gathered in the capital to celebrate her.
In October, the Norwegian Peace Council announced that it would not organize the traditional torchlight procession for this year’s Peace Prize recipient, stating that Machado does not align with their values, read more here. Nevertheless, Machado’s supporters have taken matters into their own hands and are arranging a torchlight procession to ensure she receives the customary tribute.
The Nobel Committee has faced criticism for selecting Maria Corina Machado, with some arguing that the decision was a political maneuver influenced by pressure from Donald Trump linked to his own candidacy, read more here. Machado’s close ties to the U.S. president, along with her advocacy for American involvement in Venezuela’s domestic conflict, continue to stir debate. Since the announcement, the U.S. military has escalated its actions against Venezuela, attacking Venezuelan vessels it claims are transporting drugs to the United States. These strikes have been carried out without evidence or legal due process, and CNN reports that more than 80 people have been killed. The Guardian reports that Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, faces allegations of war crimes in the Caribbean, and a blistering inspector general report accuse him of mishandling classified military intelligence. Machado’s continued support for and cooperation with the American government has intensified the criticism of her laureateship of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Although this year’s Peace Prize remains controversial in Norway, the ceremony and celebrations are expected to proceed peacefully. Smaller protest actions may occur, but Norwegians are generally respectful, and the laureate will be saluted despite the divisions her selection has caused.
Update 04:50 p.m
NRK reports that today’s planned press conference with Machado has been canceled. The Nobel Committee has not confirmed whether Machado has arrived, or if and when she will arrive.
Update 5:00 p.m. NRK reports that a demonstration against the Peace Prize is taking place outside the Nobel Institute, with the message that the prize supports violations of international law. The banner slogan is ‘No Peace Prize for Warmongers”. According to TV2, the demonstration is organized by the Norwegian Solidarity Committee for Latin America, Norway’s Peace Council, the Peace Initiative 2022, Stop NATO, the Anti-War Initiative, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Two politicians – Geir Jørgensen (Rødt) and Gjermund Skaar (SV) – are scheduled to speak at the event.
Update Wednesday at 11:00 a.m
Several media outlets report that Machado will not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony today, and that her daughter will receive the prize on her behalf. Some outlets nevertheless report that there is still hope she may arrive later today. The ceremony begins at 1:00 PM local time.
Updated Thursday at 08:30 a.m
Machado finally arrived in Oslo during the night to Thursday, in time for day 2 of the program.
SOURCES
The Nobel Peace Prize
The Winner Announcement 2025The Guardian
Trump administration update – boat strikes VenezuelaThe Guardian
Pete Hegseth, Venezuela boat strikes
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