Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has made her first public appearance in nearly a year after secretly travelling from Venezuela to Norway to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The 58-year-old, who has spent months in hiding, appeared on a hotel balcony in Oslo early Thursday morning, waving to cheering supporters despite a government-issued travel ban and threats of arrest.
Machado, honoured with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela, undertook what officials described as an “extremely dangerous” journey to reach Norway. Her arrival marks a major moment for Venezuela’s opposition movement, which has faced severe repression under President Nicolás Maduro.
Secret Journey to Oslo Draws Global Attention
According to reports, Machado disguised herself, crossed 10 military checkpoints, and escaped Venezuela by sea before heading to Europe. The operation, planned over two months, was supported by a clandestine Venezuelan network, with alleged backing from the United States.
Speaking to the BBC, Machado declined to discuss the escape details but acknowledged the risks involved:
“They say I’m a terrorist and must be jailed for life. Leaving Venezuela today is very dangerous. I am here because many risked their lives to help me reach Oslo.”
Emotional Reunion and Support from the Nobel Committee
Machado had not seen her children for nearly two years after sending them abroad for safety. In Oslo, she reunited with family and supporters, describing the moment as overwhelming:
“For over 16 months I couldn’t hug anyone. Today I have been able to touch and pray with the people I love.”
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, praised her courage, saying her arrival occurred “in a situation of extreme danger”.
Machado: ‘Of Course I’m Going Back to Venezuela’
Despite the looming threat of arrest, Machado insisted she intends to return to Venezuela:
“I know the risks, but I will go back. I will be wherever I’m most useful for our cause.”
She reiterated her long-standing criticism of Maduro’s government, calling it a “criminal structure” financed by illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling — claims the government has repeatedly denied.
Political Tensions Intensify After Nobel Award
Machado was banned from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, widely condemned as neither free nor fair. Although she supported opposition candidate Edmundo González, official results declared Maduro the winner despite contradictory tally sheets.
Venezuela’s attorney general recently warned Machado would be considered a fugitive if she travelled to Norway, accusing her of conspiracy and terrorism. Her surprise appearance has therefore drawn international scrutiny.
US-Venezuela Tensions Rise
Her return to the spotlight coincided with rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Hours before Machado’s appearance, the US announced it had seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, claiming it was part of an illicit network linked to foreign terrorist organisations — a claim the Maduro government labelled as “piracy”.
What Machado’s Return Means for Venezuela
Machado says she and her team are prepared to lead a transitional government and have previously attempted to initiate peaceful talks with the Maduro administration, which she says “rejected” every proposal.
The Nobel Committee maintains that responsibility for a peaceful transition now lies with Maduro’s government, not Machado.