10.12.2025 13:45
The press conference in Oslo was canceled due to uncertainty about the whereabouts of Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize. It is unknown whether Machado, who has not appeared in public for months, will attend the ceremony, while the Venezuelan government announced that if she travels to Norway, she will be considered a "fugitive." All eyes are on whether the leader will show up in Oslo.
The press conference expected to be held in Norway on Tuesday was canceled at the last minute due to uncertainty about the whereabouts of Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize.
"WE HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE SHE IS"
Officials stated that they had no information on whether Machado, who was expected to appear before the public ahead of the award ceremony, had arrived in Oslo. The Nobel Committee also announced that Machado's participation in the ceremony was still "uncertain." If the leader had been able to reach Oslo, it would have been her first appearance since January.
ONE OF THE STRONGEST FIGURES OF THE OPPOSITION
Awarded the Peace Prize on October 10, Machado is known as one of the strongest figures of the opposition, claiming to aim to restore democracy in Venezuela. Accusing President Nicolas Maduro of authoritarian rule, Machado has not appeared in public since August 2024. She was last seen at a protest in Caracas in January.
WILL BE CONSIDERED "FUGITIVE" IF SHE GOES TO NORWAY
The Venezuelan government has increased pressure regarding the opposition leader's potential foreign travel, announcing that Machado would be considered "fugitive" if she went to Norway. Attorney General Tarek William Saab stated that there are charges against Machado for terrorism, conspiracy, and incitement of hatred. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello also deepened the uncertainty by saying he had "no information" about Machado's travel plans.
WILL CAUSE A WIDESPREAD IMPACT IN VENEZUELAN POLITICS
Experts indicate that whether Machado goes to Oslo or not could resonate widely not only at the ceremony but also in Venezuelan politics. Michael Shifter from Georgetown University expresses that it will be difficult for the opposition leader to maintain her influence in exile, but returning to her country also carries "serious risks." In an environment where the economic crisis and security pressures continue, Machado's long silence has weakened the momentum of the opposition. Her close circle states that the Nobel laureate leader does not want to remain in exile and aims to return to her country.
WILL SHE APPEAR IN OSLO?
As the ceremony approaches, all eyes are still on Oslo. The critical question that the Nobel Committee cannot answer remains the same: Will Maria Corina Machado appear in Oslo, or will the Nobel laureate leader continue to maintain her mystery?