EP condemns Maduro presidency usurpation, backs opposition

Context

The resolution responds to the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 and recalls that the European Parliament recognised Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner of the presidential election. It condemns the usurpation, commends the democratic opposition's resilience and the commitment of the Venezuelan people to democracy in the face of repression, and says the regime missed a key opportunity to respect the will of the people and ensure a transparent democratic transition of power.

Key Topic

MEPs state that Nicolás Maduro's regime has no democratic legitimacy and that his presidency constitutes an unlawful attempt to remain in power by force. The resolution calls for expansion of sanctions targeting Maduro and his inner circle and demands that the unjustified arrest warrant issued for Edmundo González Urrutia be revoked.

What to Watch

Adopted on 23 January 2025, the resolution explicitly urges expansion of sanctions and revocation of the arrest warrant as next steps.