Pino went on to condemn what she described as an attempt to “revive” Machado’s political image. “It is us who make them disappear from history or keep feeding them so they live on. That was like an injection to say, ‘you are dead, let’s inject you a little and name you Nobel Peace Prize winner.’ They are deceiving themselves, because the Venezuelan people , above all, and Latin Americans, are wise, brave and know it is a provocation.”

Other residents expressed similar anger. “It is infuriating! As a Venezuelan, it disgusts you that this terrorist has the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama had it — another one who caused so much harm, who suggested that Venezuela was a threat,” said Miriam Bolívar to Viory.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Machado was honoured for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her “struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

Machado reacted to the news on X, describing the award as “an immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans” and claiming the country was “on the threshold of victory.” Her comments, which also thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his support, further deepened the controversy surrounding her recognition.

Without mentioning names, Lukashenko referenced previous laureates, saying, “Remember the case with the U.S. President who did nothing at all, became President, and received this prize.”

Calling the decision “shortsighted” and a “disservice to the peace process,” Lukashenko warned that snubbing Trump could damage future diplomatic efforts. “Trump has done quite a bit for peace... I am absolutely convinced that he should have been tied to the peaceful process with this prize.”

He also dismissed Machado, saying, “I don’t know this Venezuelan person and don’t want to speak about him,” adding that the Nobel Committee had chosen someone “not interested in peace.”