My fight for freedom

Exclusive interview with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner

Catalina Marchant de Abreu and Patrick Wajsman — Your "Freedom Manifesto" is part of a long personal trajectory. What founding moment shaped your conception of political freedom?

Maria Corina Machado — More than any specific event, it's the whole of my life that has taught me the profound meaning of freedom. Like all Venezuelans of my generation, I was born into democracy. We enjoyed it without fully realizing that it could disappear.

That all changed when Hugo Chávez, a military putschist, was elected president and set about dismantling democratic institutions. That's when I realized what it meant to lose my freedom. It turned our life plans upside down and forced us to give our all to win back and defend this essential asset.

C. M. de A. and P. W. — In your Manifesto, you emphasize individual dignity. Why is this moral axis central to understanding the Venezuelan crisis?

M. C. M. — Firstly, because we can't talk about individual or collective freedom if we don't recognize the intrinsic dignity of each human being, which makes him or her a rational, moral, unique and irreplaceable being. Without this natural equality, no genuine equality is possible.

Secondly, because the crisis into which Chavism has plunged us has deeply wounded our self-esteem and our national identity. We can only withstand a catastrophe like this by drawing on this dignity, this deep self-esteem, this love for what belongs to us. That's why Venezuelans are turning away from election promises that promise only material benefits, and are increasingly attracted by rhetoric focused on restoring dignity.

C. M. de A. and P. W— When did you decide to enter politics? When did you feel it was up to you to play a part in Venezuela's destiny?

M. C. M. — When I saw my country fall into the hands of putschists, preachers of hatred bent on destroying our history and institutions. At first, I thought that my place was in the fight for electoral transparency: as an engineer by training, I felt useful in this role, which allowed me to put my technical skills to good use. But I soon realized that I needed to go further, and I embarked on a fully-fledged political career. I sometimes regret not having done it sooner.

C. M. de A. and P. W— Who are the personalities whose thoughts and/or actions have most inspired you?

M. C. M. — There are many: the founding fathers of our liberal and independent republic; leaders like Havel, Walesa, Churchill, Thatcher, Golda Meir, or Rómulo Betancourt in Venezuela; and, of course, the extraordinary men and women in my family.

But the great reference in my life remains my father. A man of vision, integrity, generosity and wisdom, who passed on to me a deep love for my country and a sense of responsibility towards it.

C. M. de A. and P. W— What was the most difficult moment when you almost gave up, and what gave you the strength to carry on? …