Peace Prize Winner Machado Not
Worthy of Torchlight Procession
The Norwegian Peace Council will not organize the traditional torchlight procession for this year's Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado. The organization states that the laureate does not align with their values. At the same time, Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Venezuela.
November 3, 2025 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
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The Norwegian Peace Council will not organize the traditional torchlight procession for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, following a consultation process with its 17 member organizations. The council says the laureate does not align with its values or those of its member groups, contributing to perceptions that the Nobel Committee’s choice is controversial.
The procession has taken place annually since 1954, and has in recent years been organized by the Peace Council. This is the first time it will not be held.
The Peace Council did not specify why Machado does not meet its value criteria. However, she has been criticized for participating in the 2002 military coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, signing the Carmona decree aimed at dissolving both the national assembly and supreme court. The United States distanced itself from the coup, and Chávez was reinstated two days later.
Machado is also known for an uncompromising and radical political stance. She has argued that the use of force is necessary to secure democracy in Venezuela.
The award ceremony and banquet are formal state events, while the torchlight procession is a public tribute. Traditionally, the procession arrives at the Grand Hotel, where the laureate appears on the balcony to receive greetings from the crowd. The hotel faces the Norwegian parliament, and the event has been regarded as a solemn winter spectacle with thousands gathering in the Christmas-lit Studenterlunden park.
By refusing to organize the procession, the Peace Council is sending a strong signal. It remains unclear whether others will attempt to hold a procession or whether people will gather independently. How this unfolds may depend on developments in Venezuela, following recent U.S. attacks on vessels it claims were transporting narcotics. On Sunday, the U.S. president stated that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s “days are over.” Machado has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump. The military escalation may be seen in connection with Machado receiving the Peace Prize.
This has raised anticipation over who will actually receive the Peace Prize on December 10: Machado herself, Trump on her behalf, or perhaps both?
SOURCES
Norwegian Peace Council
Press releaseNobel Peace Prize
About the torchlight processionThe Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
María Corina MachadoThe Guardian
Trump says Maduro’s days are over
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