The Swatantrata Center, India’s premier advocate for classical liberalism and free societies, extends its heartfelt congratulations to María Corina Machado on her historic win of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” in Venezuela, Machado’s recognition by the Norwegian Nobel Committee underscores the global triumph of peaceful resistance against authoritarianism.
At 58, the industrial engineer turned fearless activist has embodied civilian courage amid Venezuela’s protracted crisis. Barred from running for president in 2024 by the Maduro regime, Machado rallied millions in the streets, demanding free and fair elections. Her leadership galvanized the opposition, uniting disparate voices under the banner of liberty and human rights. Despite exile threats and assassination attempts, she has remained a beacon of hope, inspiring Latin America’s pro-democracy movements. The Nobel Committee hailed her as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.”
As founder and national coordinator of Vente Venezuela, a center-right, liberal opposition party established in 2012, Machado has championed market-oriented reforms, individual freedoms, and institutional integrity. The party, born from the ashes of electoral fraud and economic collapse, has grown into a powerhouse, coordinating the Soy Venezuela alliance to amplify pro-democracy efforts nationwide. Under her guidance, Vente Venezuela has not only challenged Nicolás Maduro’s socialist grip but also fostered international solidarity for Venezuelan refugees and political prisoners.
From the heart of India, the Swatantrata Center celebrates this milestone as a shared victory for liberal activism worldwide. We have had the privilege of collaborating with Vente Venezuela in recent years, co-hosting virtual forums on economic liberty and supporting youth leadership programs that bridge South American and South Asian freedom fighters. Machado’s unyielding commitment to non-violent change resonates deeply with our mission to dismantle barriers to prosperity in emerging democracies.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate deeper partnerships through joint research on regulatory reforms, advocacy training, and global summits to spread the ideals of liberty across continents. As Machado herself has said, “Freedom is not given; it is taken.” Today, we recommit to that pursuit, honoring her legacy and fueling the flame of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere.
In liberty’s,
Raghavendar Askani, Director
Swatantrata Center
