On behalf of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Secretary General Dr. Mark Speich is delighted for the award winner: "Just a week ago, I was able to witness firsthand how, in your message to our ‘Foro America Libre’ on October 2 in Mexico City, you called on all those who suffer from lack of freedom and oppression to stand up for democracy and freedom. Your message and the exemplary commitment of the Venezuelan people to democracy move me deeply. On this special day for democrats in Venezuela, Latin America, and the world, I would like to express my solidarity and that of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation to you and your people. I sincerely hope for you and all Venezuelans that the Nobel Peace Prize will be an important step toward a free and democratic Venezuela."
María Corina Machado was born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas. Since she began her commitment to democracy in 2002, she has repeatedly been subjected to repression by the socialist state apparatus. In 2023, she won the democratic opposition's primary election with around 90% of the vote. Nevertheless, the regime excluded her from the presidential election held a year later. Edmundo González Urrutia took her place and, according to international observers, won the election on July 28, 2024, by a clear margin. Nevertheless, Nicolas Maduro remained in power.
