Oslo, Norway – The traditional Torchlight Procession held in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been thrust into controversy this year, as the Norwegian Peace Council (Norges Fredsråd) announced its decision to withdraw its participation. The protest targets this year’s winner, Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela, citing her publicly expressed political positions, which critics describe as “Trump-friendly” and “Israel-friendly.”
The Norwegian Peace Council, a non-governmental organization working to promote peace and disarmament, stated that the laureate’s alignment with controversial figures and policies is inconsistent with the principles the council seeks to uphold, writes VG.
The decision by the Peace Council highlights significant unease within Norway’s peace-building community regarding the political leanings of the 2025 laureate, Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the prize for her “unwavering work to secure democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.”
1. The “Trump-Friendly” Allegation
Critics, as highlighted by a commentary on the decision to boycott, claim that Machado has openly expressed support for President Donald Trump, even dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to him. Her political ideology is often described as being on the centre-right, which critics suggest places her in a controversial global political sphere. Furthermore, her association with a U.S.-backed opposition to the current Venezuelan regime has led to claims that the prize award undermines Norway’s historically neutral role in international peace mediation.
2. The “Israel-Friendly” Stance
Machado’s support for Israel’s foreign policy has also been a major point of contention, particularly in a Norwegian context where humanitarian and international law principles are highly valued. Reports point to her support for Israel’s policies and atrocities in Gaza, as well as her backing of U.S. actions, including those perceived as internationally controversial. This stance is seen by the Norwegian Peace Council and other activist groups as contradictory to the spirit of the Peace Prize, particularly given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
3. Damaging Norway’s Diplomatic Role
A strong argument presented by those protesting the choice is the potential damage to Norway’s international reputation as a neutral peace mediator. Norway has been involved in peace negotiations regarding the crisis in Venezuela. The critics argue that honouring a highly polarizing figure, who is accused of supporting foreign intervention and military action (such as in U.S.-supported efforts against the Venezuelan government), risks destroying Norway’s carefully cultivated image as a neutral, third-party facilitator.
The Wider Implications
While the Torchlight Procession, organized by The Norwegian Venezuelan Justice Alliance, is set to proceed on December 10th to celebrate the laureate, the withdrawal of a key peace-advocacy organization like the Norwegian Peace Council is highly symbolic.
It underscores a growing divide between the decisions of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the expectations of a segment of Norway’s peace and human rights community, highlighting the political complexity and, at times, polarizing nature of the Nobel Peace Prize itself. The protest serves as a reminder that the award often sparks debate over whose definition of ‘peace’ is being celebrated on the world stage.
