WATCH: RDI Hero of Democracy María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize
If you're worried about the state of freedom, let RDI Hero of Democracy and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado inspire you.
Editor’s note: We’re also covering the news out of Gaza this week. Click here to read analysis on how Donald Trump was uniquely-positioned to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas.
“We are winning this struggle because our people get stronger in the face of greater obstacles and difficulties… The truth is that no dictator is so entrenched that he cannot be removed.”
— María Corina Machado at Renew Democracy Initiative’s 2025 Heroes of Democracy Gala
The news doesn’t offer us much reason for hope these days.
But freedom can win against overwhelming odds. No one knows that better than Venezuelan pro-democracy leader María Corina Machado, who faced down the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro and exposed to the world how the regime forged election results.
Before she was a Nobel laureate, Ms. Machado was named one of RDI’s 2025 Heroes of Democracy along with legitimate Venezuelan President-elect Edmundo Gonazález Urrutia.
Watch Ms. Machado’s address above from our 2025 Heroes of Democracy Gala and click below for impassioned remarks from her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa.
We’ve heard from a lot of people that Ana’s speech about her mother was the most moving they’d ever heard. If you need inspiration, this mother-daughter pair has got it.
Why We Won't Give Up
Venezuela’s election was actually stolen. But the opposition is here to stay. Remarks from Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of RDI Hero of Democracy and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado.
Want to learn more about Ms. Machado, Mr. Gonzàlez, their work to restore democracy in Venezuela, and the fight the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro? Watch the video below, which was played at our gala in April.
More from The Next Move:
From Afghanistan to Venezuela: Why These Activists Fight for Freedom
Introducing a fearless Afghan advocate for women’s rights and a brave Venezuelan dissident.
WRONG! She is a shill for the Venezuelan privileged class.
Democracy First and Foremost!
Noble Peace Prize: “Ms. Machado is receiving first and foremost for her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela. But democracy is also in retreat internationally. Democracy – understood as the right to freely express one’s opinion, to cast one’s vote and to be represented in elective government – is the foundation of peace both within countries and between countries.” When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”
Putin/Trump/Netanyahu are ICC criminals; Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 17 Palestinians killed and 71 injured in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 67,211, according to figures deemed credible by the United Nations.
Always remember Ukraine, they are alone, and Trumpy is with Putin, Trump is a turncoat!