In a surprising diplomatic move, Venezuela has announced the closure of its embassy in Norway, days after exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to restore democracy and human rights in the country.
The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, condemned the Nobel Committee’s decision, calling it a “politically motivated act” aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty. The Foreign Ministry accused Norway — which hosts the Nobel Committee — of “open interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs” and claimed the award was part of a Western-backed campaign to destabilize the government.
Norway, which has previously acted as a mediator in peace talks between the Maduro government and opposition groups, expressed regret over Caracas’ decision to close the embassy. Norwegian officials reiterated their commitment to peaceful dialogue and democratic reform in Venezuela.
Machado, who has long been a vocal critic of Maduro’s rule, said the award represents “a victory for the Venezuelan people’s courage and resilience.” She remains in exile after facing years of political persecution and being barred from holding public office.
The diplomatic fallout further strains relations between Caracas and European nations, many of which have recognized Venezuela’s opposition movement as a legitimate voice for democratic change.
As tensions rise, international observers warn that the move could isolate Venezuela even further — both politically and economically — at a time when the country continues to grapple with hyperinflation, mass migration, and widespread poverty.