As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, this year’s peace laureate Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.
Ms Machado has been a key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government. This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy: our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule, even though we disagree. At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend this common ground.
Venezuela’s authoritarian regime makes political work extremely difficult. As a founder of Súmate, an organisation devoted to democratic development, Ms Machado stood up for free and fair elections more than 20 years ago. As she said: “It was a choice of ballots over bullets.” In political office and in her service to organisations since then, Ms Machado has spoken out for judicial independence, human rights and popular representation. She has spent years working for the freedom of the Venezuelan people.
Read more about the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize: https://t.co/juIj539Bh9
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On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy #PrideMonth!
30 years of "Under The Table and Dreaming"!
#DMBHistory: DMB celebrated the September 27, 1994 release of Under The Table and Dreaming with a hometown show at McIntire Amphitheater, where the mayor of Charlottesville proclaimed it @davematthewsbnd Day.
Een samenleving waaraan mensen met een lichamelijke beperking vanzelfsprekend en zonder belemmeringen kunnen deelnemen: dat is waar Nationale Vereniging de Zonnebloem zich al 75 jaar voor inzet. De Koning is bij de viering van het 75-jarig bestaan. https://t.co/dom2bRY57q