The announcement for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been made. Venezuelan opposition leader and human rights advocate Maria Corina Machado has emerged as this year's recipient. Chosen from 338 nominees, the Nobel Committee commends her as a true voice for democracy, honoring her dedication to upholding democratic values. Yet whispers in Norway suggest Trump might seek retribution against their nation.
At 58, Machado founded a foundation in 1992 to aid street children. A decade later, during intense election manipulation in Venezuela, she spearheaded a movement demanding fair elections, transforming it into a mass movement. Her efforts led to a historic win in the 2010 parliamentary elections, drawing political attacks from rivals.
In 2014, the Venezuelan government expelled her from office, and by 2023, when she ran for president, attempts to bar her continued. Despite threats to her life, she remained steadfast, inspiring hope for democracy in Venezuela. Her courage and dedication led the Nobel Committee to recognize her as a beacon of peace amidst growing challenges.
Source: aajtak
Simultaneously, it became clear President Trump would not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his twelve demands for the award. The media in Norway now speculates on what actions Trump might take in retaliation.
According to The Guardian, a Norwegian newspaper outlined three potential moves Trump might make: first, imposing a higher tariff on Norway, currently at 15%; second, demanding increased NATO contributions from Norway under threat of suspending America's security guarantee; third, potentially classifying Norway as a hostile nation.
Norway's Socialist Left Party has advised vigilance against potential retribution from Trump. The party emphasizes that the Nobel Committee operates independently, beyond the control of Norway's government. Nevertheless, the party suggests Trump may not grasp this distinction, potentially holding Norway's government responsible for the perceived snub.
Source: aajtak
The Guardian further reports an exchange in July between President Trump and Norway’s former NATO Secretary-General, now Finance Minister, inquiring about the progress of the Nobel selection process. Trump’s claims during a UN speech about halting seven global conflicts have sparked controversy; the Nobel Committee seemingly did not take those claims seriously.
Meanwhile, India maintains it played no external role in its conflict resolution, and the Nobel Committee continues to dismiss Trump’s assertions. With Trump missing the prize, Norway's government fears possible sanctions against its oil and gas trade partners, amidst online calls from Trump's supporters for visa restrictions on Norway. Some have even suggested bias in Nobel's decision due to Norway's sympathetic stance towards Palestine.
Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund recently announced its divestment from Caterpillar, known for supplying equipment used in demolishing Palestinian homes in Gaza. Trump's supporters have highlighted this as evidence of perceived injustice in denying him the prize. Yet, broader American opinion suggests limited agreement with Trump deserving the Nobel Peace Prize. A Washington-Ipsos poll found 76% of respondents opposed awarding Trump the Nobel Prize.
