EU Dismisses Nicolas Maduro's "Democratic Legitimacy," Says Top Diplomat
EU foreign ministers have rejected the claim of victory by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as stated by the bloc's policy chief, Josep Borrell. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
European Union foreign ministers have decided that they will not acknowledge the "democratic legitimacy" of Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro after the nation's recent election, as stated by the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell during a press conference.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has criticized the EU for not respecting the country's sovereignty and independence, highlighting potential repercussions for diplomatic relations.
In the presidential election held in July, Maduro garnered 52% of the votes, earning him another term. Despite this, the opposition has charged that the election was fraudulent. Maduro's primary opponent, who enjoys support from the West, Edmundo Gonzalez, was declared president-elect by the United States earlier.
Borrell mentioned that Gonzalez was asked to attend the EU meeting, indicating the EU's skepticism as the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) failed to supply convincing evidence, according to the ministers. The CNE had previously announced on July 28 that Maduro was the legitimate winner of the election.
While Maduro received congratulations from Russia, China, and regional allies, the election results were not recognized by the Venezuelan opposition, most Latin American countries, and G7 nations, all citing significant concerns about the electoral process's fairness.
“We cannot accept the legitimacy of Maduro as elected president,” Borrell asserted, adding, “He will remain president, de facto ... But we deny democratic legitimacy based on a result that cannot be verified.” He emphasized that the EU's stance represents a "strong statement."
A diplomatic source informed Euronews that the EU ministers did not reach a unanimous decision to recognize Gonzalez's electoral win.
In response, the Venezuelan government initiated a criminal probe against Gonzalez and other opposition figures for allegedly promoting “insurrection” through unfounded electoral fraud claims and instigating public disturbances.
The government reports that the election-related turmoil has led to over 20 deaths and more than 190 injuries, with around 2,400 people detained.
Additionally, Caracas has leveled accusations against the U.S. of attempting another coup. The U.S. has previously rejected Venezuela's 2018 election results and backed lawmaker Juan Guaido as the “interim president,” even seizing Venezuelan assets for his advantage. Following the dissolution of his “interim government” by the opposition in December 2022, Guaido's prominence dwindled.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has criticized the EU for not respecting the country's sovereignty and independence, highlighting potential repercussions for diplomatic relations.
In the presidential election held in July, Maduro garnered 52% of the votes, earning him another term. Despite this, the opposition has charged that the election was fraudulent. Maduro's primary opponent, who enjoys support from the West, Edmundo Gonzalez, was declared president-elect by the United States earlier.
Borrell mentioned that Gonzalez was asked to attend the EU meeting, indicating the EU's skepticism as the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) failed to supply convincing evidence, according to the ministers. The CNE had previously announced on July 28 that Maduro was the legitimate winner of the election.
While Maduro received congratulations from Russia, China, and regional allies, the election results were not recognized by the Venezuelan opposition, most Latin American countries, and G7 nations, all citing significant concerns about the electoral process's fairness.
“We cannot accept the legitimacy of Maduro as elected president,” Borrell asserted, adding, “He will remain president, de facto ... But we deny democratic legitimacy based on a result that cannot be verified.” He emphasized that the EU's stance represents a "strong statement."
A diplomatic source informed Euronews that the EU ministers did not reach a unanimous decision to recognize Gonzalez's electoral win.
In response, the Venezuelan government initiated a criminal probe against Gonzalez and other opposition figures for allegedly promoting “insurrection” through unfounded electoral fraud claims and instigating public disturbances.
The government reports that the election-related turmoil has led to over 20 deaths and more than 190 injuries, with around 2,400 people detained.
Additionally, Caracas has leveled accusations against the U.S. of attempting another coup. The U.S. has previously rejected Venezuela's 2018 election results and backed lawmaker Juan Guaido as the “interim president,” even seizing Venezuelan assets for his advantage. Following the dissolution of his “interim government” by the opposition in December 2022, Guaido's prominence dwindled.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
