Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado appeared in public in Oslo. This was her first public event in nearly a year. Her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for her earlier. Machado traveled secretly from her home in Caracas. A government travel ban was in place. She accepted the honor for her work for democracy in Venezuela.
Machado had to hide for about eleven months. This was after a presidential election in July 2024. Many people said the election was unfair. The government then controlled the country more. It also stopped people who disagreed. The election winner, Edmundo González, lives outside Venezuela. This shows the problems for the opposition.
Details about how Machado left Venezuela are not clear. It was likely a difficult journey. Some reports say she traveled by sea. The weather may have been bad. Her arrival in Norway allowed her to meet supporters. She had been away from her children for two years. They were sent away for their safety.
Machado's daughter read her speech at the Nobel ceremony. The speech spoke of a hopeful future for Venezuela. It said, "Venezuela will breathe again." It also mentioned freeing prisoners. The Nobel Committee asked Venezuela to change its government peacefully.
Experts think Machado’s escape is a big win for the opposition. Her appearance in Oslo shows her strong will. It also shows she can work well under pressure. This event raises global awareness of problems in Venezuela. The world recognizes her work. However, the Venezuelan government seems unwilling to change.