EU Parliament Recognizes Guaido as Interim President of Venezuela, Reports Reuters

European Parliament Backs Venezuela’s Guaido as Interim Leader

By Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS – The European Parliament has recognized Juan Guaido, Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim president, as the nation’s de facto head of state, increasing international pressure on the socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

In a special session held in Brussels, EU lawmakers voted with 439 in favor, 104 against, and 88 abstentions to acknowledge Guaido, the head of the Venezuelan congress, as the interim leader. The parliament’s non-binding statement called on the 28 EU member states to recognize Guaido as "the only legitimate interim president" until "new free, transparent and credible presidential elections" take place.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke with Guaido earlier in the week and advocated for further EU sanctions against Venezuelan officials. He expressed hopes that the EU would present a unified stance in support of Guaido. "Parliament has spoken. For us, Mr. Guaido is the president of Venezuela," he stated upon arriving at a two-day meeting of EU foreign ministers in Bucharest.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto indicated his willingness to align with a common EU position on Venezuela, contingent upon reaching consensus on subsequent actions.

While the European Union has been critical of Maduro for undermining democracy, it is cautious about the implications of recognizing a self-appointed leader, contrasting it with the immediate recognition endorsed by the United States and several Latin American nations.

However, the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Spain recently announced they would recognize Guaido if Maduro did not call for elections within eight days. The broader EU has yet to establish a timeline for new presidential elections.

In response, Maduro has rejected these demands, labeling them an unacceptable ultimatum from what he views as "the corrupt elite of spent colonial powers." He has criticized European leaders as "sycophants" catering to U.S. policies.

Although the European Parliament lacks foreign policy authority, it positions itself as a defender of human rights. Spanish center-right lawmaker Esteban Gonzalez Pons pointed out that the Venezuelans protesting in the streets are fighting for the same values that the parliament advocates for.

Amid Venezuela’s escalating economic and political crisis, marked by mass emigration and hyperinflation, the EU has imposed an arms embargo and sanctions targeting officials in response to perceived rights violations and the deterioration of democracy.

On the same day, the International Federation of Journalists, based in Brussels, reported the detention of seven foreign journalists in Venezuela, including individuals from France and Spain. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has called for their release.