A number of EU countries have moved to formally recognise Venezuela’s opposition leader as its acting president.
Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Lithuania this morning announced the coordinated move.
Russia was quick to condemn the decision – warning that it amounts to foreign meddling in domestic Venezuelan affairs and calling for the people of Venezuela to be allowed to resolve the political crisis there.
The European countries had pledged to make the announcement if the country’s President Nicolas Maduro failed to call fresh presidential elections within an eight-day period.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a statement at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, 04-02-2019. Image: AP Photo/Andrea Comas
In a televised statement today, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country’s president – and called for “free and fair elections” to be held as soon as possible.
He said Spain was "working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela" and would be putting together a humanitarian aid programme for the country.
Les Vénézuéliens ont le droit de s’exprimer librement et démocratiquement. La France reconnaît @jguaido comme « président en charge » pour mettre en œuvre un processus électoral. Nous soutenons le Groupe de contact, créé avec l’UE, dans cette période de transition.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 4, 2019
France's President Emmanuel Macro said on Twitter: "Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically.
"France recognizes @jguaido as 'interim president' to implement an electoral process."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores greet supporters as they arrive at a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, 02-02-2019. Image: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos
UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted that the move was aimed at ending a "humanitarian crisis" in the South American country.
He said the "UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis."
Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 4, 2019
Mr Maduro's time in office has been marked by economic collapse, hyperinflation and shortages of many basic goods and medicines.
The Trump administration severely undermined the socialist leader’s power by backing opposition leader Juan Guaido, after he declared himself interim president on 23rd January.
Mr Guaido’s push for power has now been backed by most Western powers.
He made a plea to European countries last week to recognise him as leader to help "rebuild" the country after soaring inflation and violent protests.
Mr Maduro has accused the US of attempting to “return to the 20th century of military coups, subordinate puppet governments and the looting of resources.”
He has warned European governments that he “accepts ultimatums from nobody.”
