María Corina Machado, the libertarian Venezuelan author and political disruptor turned pro-democracy powerhouse, stormed-out on stage in Oslo. This was her first major public appearance in almost a year of seclusion. The world’s 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner has finally emerged from hiding. This follows a harrowing stretch that featured the rescue from Venezuela and 11 months in hiding in Caracas. This was her first public engagement in nearly a year. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, received the sharpest honor for her mother.
On a dramatic night, Machado stepped onto the balcony of the Grand Hotel at 2:30 am local time, where she was met with cheers from supporters. Her appearance was a big surprise, appearing just days after Edmundo González—a longtime ally of her government—had taken the presidential election from Nicolás Maduro’s grasp. This victory further positioned Machado as a key figure in Venezuela’s future leadership if international support continues to sway against Maduro’s regime.
While hiding out in Colombia, Machado tried to leave the country by taking a clandestine boat across the Caribbean Sea to Curaçao. Adverse weather conditions did not play in her favor, preventing her travel and obliging her to stay in Caracas. Even with these difficulties, her buoyancy and grit were evident as she welcomed admirers with Hugh Jackman-like enthusiasm on the streets of Oslo.
She then sang the Venezuelan national anthem with great passion and pride. The crowd burst into a standing ovation, some even starting to chant, “Glory to the fearless nation, which threw off the chains!” This moment signified not only her own personal victory, but the possibility for democratic transition in Venezuela.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, underscored the significance of Machado’s Nobel Prize victory. He called for Maduro to resign after her electoral victory. Maduro’s bloody regime has been egregiously offended by the award. Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez labeled the Nobel ceremony a “total failure,” reflecting the ongoing tensions between Machado’s supporters and Maduro’s government.
Machado’s return to the spotlight comes in the wake of her being accused of stealing the July 2024 presidential election. Not withstanding that, her supporters are framing her as a candidate who embodies democracy and change. With international attention now trained on Venezuela, Machado’s actions may be critical in determining and sustaining her country’s new political reality.