Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro launched a fierce verbal attack on opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling her a “demonic witch” only two days after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight to restore democracy in the South American nation.
The Nobel Committee honored Machado for her “tireless efforts to promote democracy and freedom” in Venezuela, a country still reeling from the disputed 2024 presidential election, which officially declared Maduro the winner despite the opposition’s claims of victory.
Maduro’s remarks and symbolism
Speaking on Sunday, Maduro declared that “90% of the population rejects the demonic witch Sayona”, invoking a term drawn from Venezuelan folklore that refers to a vengeful spirit — a phrase government officials have repeatedly used to describe Machado.
Although Maduro did not directly mention her name or the Nobel Prize, his comments were clearly aimed at the opposition leader, who has become the most prominent political rival to his regime.
“Peace with freedom and sovereignty”
Maduro insisted that Venezuela seeks peace but added a pointed qualifier: “We want peace, and we will have it — but peace with freedom and national sovereignty.”
His comments came amid rising tensions with the United States, which has deployed a fleet of warships and advanced military aircraft to the Caribbean in recent weeks. Washington has claimed the operations target drug trafficking networks allegedly linked to Venezuela — while simultaneously labeling Maduro as the head of a narcotics cartel, an accusation his government has long dismissed as politically motivated.
Machado dedicates her Nobel Prize
Following the announcement of her award, María Corina Machado said she was “in shock,” dedicating the Nobel Peace Prize to “the people of Venezuela who are suffering” and to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had also sought the award for his own claimed contributions to global peace.
Machado has openly supported U.S. diplomatic and strategic efforts in the region, aligning herself with Washington’s push to increase pressure on Maduro’s government.
A divided Venezuela
The exchange between the two political figures underscores the deep divisions within Venezuelan society. While Maduro continues to assert control over the state apparatus and military, Machado’s Nobel win has given new international visibility to the opposition — and renewed debate over Venezuela’s democratic future.
As the rhetoric intensifies, both leaders appear determined to claim the mantle of legitimacy — Maduro through the language of sovereignty, and Machado through the recognition of the global community.
