Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, fired a verbal volley. He called opposition leader María Corina Machado a “demonic witch.” This outburst came just after she won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 on Friday.
Maduro didn’t even say Machado’s name. He also ignored the prize itself. Yet, on Sunday, he claimed “about 90% of the population rejects the demonic witch of ‘sayona’.” The government often uses “sayona.” This term comes from Venezuelan legends. It describes a vengeful spirit. They use it to refer to Machado.
Machado has been in hiding for over a year. She sees the award differently. On Saturday, she dedicated the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to her fellow citizens. She called it a prize “for those who never give up.” It’s “for those who choose freedom as the path to peace,” even when hatred pulls at them. She further dedicated it to “those who resist without hate.” This includes “those who endure hunger, fear, and silence, but never stop believing.”
The former deputy shared a video on social media. She believes the country’s “next prize will be freedom.” She told the Argentine newspaper La Nación the Nobel Prize hits hard in Caracas. The regime now understands “Maduro is absolutely isolated and his days are numbered.”
Machado also highlighted external influences. On Saturday, she praised the United States’ firm stand. She called it vital for isolating Venezuela’s leader. She pointed to President Donald Trump’s “firm position” and the US government’s efforts. Their goal: “dismantle drug cartels.” She said this “completely changed the dynamic.”
Washington has backed its words with action. US ships patrol the Caribbean Sea. They are allegedly fighting drug trafficking through Venezuela. Washington also accuses Maduro of leading a trafficking cartel.
Maduro shot back with his own vision. “We want peace and we will have it,” he declared. “But a peace with freedom, with sovereignty.” He quickly moved to fortify his position. On Indigenous Resistance Day in Caracas, he led an event. He then ordered “militia brigades” formed from indigenous South American peoples. These groups are to defend Venezuela “if necessary.” He called the US military moves in the Caribbean a “threat.”
The head of state claimed he had “received letters from various indigenous peoples” across the Americas. These groups are “willing to fight to defend the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.” He then gave a direct order. Orlando Romero, commander-in-chief of the Bolivarian Militia, a branch of the armed forces, must “deepen and accelerate” the “expansion” of this “indigenous militia in all territories of the country.”
“If they want peace, prepare to achieve it,” Maduro added. He called for “popular-military-police unity, with permanent national unity.” His command was clear: “achieve peace, exercise permanent sovereignty in our territory and seas, and defend the right to life.”
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, based in Oslo, announced Machado’s win on Friday. They recognized her “tireless work in promoting the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people.” They also cited her “fight to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” This political drama continues to unfold. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the future of Venezuela.