Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida awarded the Golden Key of the City to Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado on Friday at the Casa de la Villa. The honor recognizes her fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Visibly moved, Machado thanked the distinction and reaffirmed her commitment to returning home.
José Luis Martínez-Almeida presented the Golden Key of the City of Madrid to María Corina Machado on the afternoon of Friday, April 17, in the Plenary Hall of the Casa de la Villa. The Venezuelan leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner, was greeted by hundreds of compatriots chanting "freedom!" to the tune of an orchestra playing 'Venezuela.' She hugged the crowd before entering and signed the honor book alongside the mayor.
"This key recognizes the trajectory of someone who has fought for her people's freedom throughout her life," said Almeida, praising her "exemplary struggle for freedom, democracy, and peace." He added: "Very soon we will meet in a free Venezuela, thanks to you." Machado, congratulating the mayor on his birthday, replied: "These keys are an honor that reaffirms the union between two peoples." Moved by cheers from outside, she recalled 2014 in Caracas and stated: "Peoples determined to be free are unstoppable."
Attendees included Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz, MPs like Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo, former mayors such as Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón and Ana Botella, Esperanza Aguirre, and Antonio Ledezma. Earlier, Machado met Alberto Núñez Feijóo at PP headquarters and Santiago Abascal at Vox, but declined a meeting with Pedro Sánchez. PSOE and Más Madrid criticized the award as the mayor's "private party."
Facing a 12-year exit ban she evaded to receive her Nobel in Oslo, Machado continues a European tour after visits to the US, Vatican, and Chile. On Saturday, she will receive the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid from Isabel Díaz Ayuso and meet Venezuelans at Puerta del Sol.
