Venezuela will finally find its way to a brighter future as the nation is bestowed upon by one of the world's most prestigious awards – the Nobel Peace Prize. The ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway, where Ana Corina Sosa Machado, daughter of Maria Corina Machado, accepted the honor on behalf of her mother.
In a powerful and poignant speech, Machado reminded everyone that freedom is not something we wait for but rather it's something we become. She recalled how her generation was born in a vibrant democracy and took it for granted, forgetting their duties while cherishing their rights. It was only when they realized the fragility of their institutions that a man with a history of leading military coups to overthrow democracies was elected president.
Machado went on to speak about the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, calling upon Nicolás Maduro to step down and accept the democratic result. She reminded everyone that the source of violence lies not with the democratic activists but those at the top who refuse to cede power. The brutality, Machado argued, is a result of authoritarian regimes trying to silence popular calls for change.
In another poignant address, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, pointedly criticized the world for ignoring the plight of Venezuelans, labeling it as "the moral betrayal of those who actually live under this brutal regime." He highlighted how many critics justify withholding support by arguing that local democratic forces must cooperate with actors they dislike. This, he claimed, puts ideological conviction ahead of human solidarity.
As Machado concluded her powerful speech, she left the audience with a promise: Venezuela will breathe again. The ceremony marked a significant moment in Venezuela's struggle for democracy and freedom.
In a powerful and poignant speech, Machado reminded everyone that freedom is not something we wait for but rather it's something we become. She recalled how her generation was born in a vibrant democracy and took it for granted, forgetting their duties while cherishing their rights. It was only when they realized the fragility of their institutions that a man with a history of leading military coups to overthrow democracies was elected president.
Machado went on to speak about the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, calling upon Nicolás Maduro to step down and accept the democratic result. She reminded everyone that the source of violence lies not with the democratic activists but those at the top who refuse to cede power. The brutality, Machado argued, is a result of authoritarian regimes trying to silence popular calls for change.
In another poignant address, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, pointedly criticized the world for ignoring the plight of Venezuelans, labeling it as "the moral betrayal of those who actually live under this brutal regime." He highlighted how many critics justify withholding support by arguing that local democratic forces must cooperate with actors they dislike. This, he claimed, puts ideological conviction ahead of human solidarity.
As Machado concluded her powerful speech, she left the audience with a promise: Venezuela will breathe again. The ceremony marked a significant moment in Venezuela's struggle for democracy and freedom.