María Corina Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has publicly described Bitcoin as “resistance money” for Venezuelans, saying the cryptocurrency provided a lifeline during hyperinflation and could play a role in rebuilding national finances after dictatorship.
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María Corina Machado framed Bitcoin as a practical tool that helped Venezuelans survive hyperinflation.
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Venezuelans used cryptocurrencies to bypass currency controls, corruption, and sanctions amid bolívar collapse.
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Experts and industry figures noted the Nobel recognition as the first time a major peace award was linked to a high-profile Bitcoiner.
María Corina Machado Bitcoin: Nobel Peace Prize winner called Bitcoin “resistance money”—read analysis on what this means for Venezuela and crypto policy today.
What is María Corina Machado’s stance on Bitcoin?
María Corina Machado has described Bitcoin as a “vital means of resistance” that served as a humanitarian lifeline for Venezuelans during hyperinflation. She said crypto helped citizens access value and evade financial repression, and she envisions Bitcoin as part of rebuilding national financial stability.
How has Bitcoin been used in Venezuela?
Venezuelans turned to cryptocurrencies to dodge strict currency controls, rampant corruption, and U.S. sanctions after the bolívar collapsed nearly a decade ago. Some citizens used Bitcoin and stablecoins for remittances, savings, and cross-border payments when local currency purchasing power evaporated.
Official inflation peaked during hyperinflation episodes; historically referenced data include an oil price peak of $147 in July 2008 and prolonged economic instability since. Informal dollarization followed, and cryptocurrency use grew as a practical workaround.
Why did Machado mention Bitcoin in the 2024 interview?
In a September 2024 interview, Machado highlighted Bitcoin’s practical use during extreme inflation and financial repression. She argued the cryptocurrency evolved from an emergency tool to a strategic instrument for resistance and eventual national recovery.
Quote (paraphrased): Machado said financial repression—rooted in state looting and unchecked money printing—left citizens seeking alternatives, and that Bitcoin offered a lifeline during hyperinflation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did María Corina Machado call Bitcoin “resistance money”?
Yes. Machado publicly described Bitcoin as a “vital means of resistance” for Venezuelans who used it to preserve value and transact amid hyperinflation and strict currency controls.
What does this Nobel Prize mean for crypto adoption in Venezuela?
The Nobel award spotlights the political and humanitarian dimensions of crypto in Venezuela, potentially encouraging policymakers and civil society to consider digital assets’ role in recovery and financial inclusion.
Key Takeaways
- Recognition: Machado’s Nobel links a high-profile political figure to public support for Bitcoin as a survival tool.
- Practical use: Venezuelans used Bitcoin and stablecoins for remittances, savings, and to evade financial controls.
- Policy implication: The award may prompt renewed debate on crypto’s role in economic recovery and human-rights–oriented financial policy.
Expert reactions and context
Industry figures noted the symbolic significance of Machado’s win and her prior comments. Jeff Park and Bradley Rettler (University of Wyoming Bitcoin Research Institute) publicly praised Machado’s recognition of crypto’s social role (quotes reported as plain text sources).
Publication details
Published: 2025-10-10. Updated: 2025-10-10. Author/Organization: COINOTAG.
Conclusion
María Corina Machado’s recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize draws attention to how Bitcoin functioned as practical resistance money in Venezuela. Her comments foreground the humanitarian and political implications of crypto use under economic collapse, and they may influence future discussions on financial policy and recovery. For continued coverage, follow COINOTAG reporting and analyses.
