The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Tuesday (October 27, 2026) that a democratic transition was “still” necessary in Venezuela, after opposition leader and 2025 Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado recently returned to the country.
“Much has changed in recent months, but the task remains urgent: Venezuela still requires a democratic transition founded on fundamental rights, political participation and free elections,” Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said in a statement.
Ms. President Nicolas Maduro was captured in a spectacular U.S. military operation in January. Rodriguez, his deputy, took over as interim leader with Washington’s blessing.
Machado returned to her country on Sunday (October 25) after nearly a year in exile, drawing jubilant crowds in a direct challenge to interim president Delcy Rodriguez’s U.S.-backed government.
She left Venezuela last December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after nearly a year in hiding, and has since made at least seven unsuccessful attempts to return, according to sources in her party.
“The committee expresses its hope that her return will strengthen the democratic opposition and its peaceful struggle for democracy,” Mr. Frydnes said.
