Venezuela’s opposition leader, Maria Corina Machadoappeared again Oslo this Wednesday evening, hours after his daughter received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on his behalf.
The Venezuelan leader had disappeared from public life for months Death threats and legal persecution of the dictatorship of Nicolás MaduroHe greeted dozens of followers waiting in front of him Grand Hotel Oslothe traditional meeting place for the public after the Nobel Prize ceremony.
Machado arrived in Norway after leaving Venezuela on Tuesday Ship on the way to Curacaosaid U.S. officials. The trip was organized by his inner circle in the strictest confidence, so there was no prior announcement. According to these sources, the operation was kept secret to protect their security and was only confirmed when the enemy was already outside Venezuelan territory.
The transfer of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize caused great excitement among diplomats, activists and Venezuelan citizens living in Europe. His appearance took place after Torchlight march which runs through central Oslo on December 11th every year, an event that pays tribute to the peace laureate and which had a clear political focus this year due to the Venezuela crisis.
The Norwegian government reported that the opposition would make an offer Press conference this Thursday at 09:15 GMTThis will be his first direct meeting with journalists since he went into hiding after the July 2024 presidential election.
“Ms. Machado is in Oslo and will be holding a public activity tomorrow“The Nordic country’s foreign ministry said in a brief statement.
The Nobel Prize ceremony was marked by Machado’s absence and the message he conveyed through his daughter. Ana Corina Sosa Machadowho received the medal and diploma.
In their speech, the family reported on the situation of political violence experienced by the Venezuelan opposition. “My mother will arrive in Oslo in a few hours, but her goal is to return to Venezuela very soon“said his daughter during the ceremony. She also assured that Machado “will not give up the desire to live in a free country.”
The President of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne FrydnesHe used his intervention to send a direct message to the dictator Nicolás Maduro.
“Mr. Maduro: You must accept the election results and resign from office” he explained, which immediately drew an ovation from the audience. The ceremony began with the performance of “Alma llanera” and “Venezuela” by singer Danny Ocean.
The award given to Machado highlights the leader’s work towards a democratic transition in her country. Since the 2024 presidential election, in which Chavismo declared Maduro’s fraudulent re-election, Machado has continued to be investigated by Venezuelan prosecutors, who have accused her of conspiracy, incitement to hatred and terrorism.
Days before the Nobel announcement, the Attorney General had warned that it would be considered: “refugee” if he left Venezuela.
Analyst Benedicte Bull, a professor at the University of Oslo, recalled that any return of Machado would be fraught with risks.
“She risks being arrested upon her return, although the government has treated her more cautiously than other opponents because her arrest would have strong international repercussions.“He explained. He also warned that a prolonged exile could reduce his political influence.
Machado, who dedicated his Nobel Prize to US President Donald Trump, has close ties to the Republican president, whose administration ordered it Military operations in the Caribbean which Washington justifies as action against criminal networks. Maduro claims that these maneuvers are aimed at destabilizing his government and controlling the country’s energy resources.
The reappearance of the opposition leader in Oslo opens a new chapter in the Venezuelan crisis, which is now under the eyes of the international community around the Nobel Peace Prize. His press conference will define the next steps of a figure who, despite internal persecution, remains the main reference of the Venezuelan opposition.
News in development…
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