The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people — and to US President Donald Trump.
Machado, the democracy activist who challenged President Nicolas Maduro in last year’s elections, has become a “unifying” figure in Venezuela, the prize jury said. She has refused to leave despite threats against her life.
Her dedication of the prize to Trump, who has long coveted the award, came against the backdrop of increased pressure from Washington on Maduro’s government.
“More than ever we count on President Trump,” Machado wrote on X, citing his “decisive support of our cause”.
The 58-year-old told Nobel Institute director Kristian Berg Harpviken in a call that she was confident the opposition would secure a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela.
“I’m…