The G7 foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union have issued a statement denouncing the lack of democratic legitimacy in the recent inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as president of Venezuela. The statement, released on January 10, 2025, criticizes Maduro's continued hold on power, which they claim comes at the expense of Venezuelans who voted for change during elections held on July 28, 2024.
The ministers condemned ongoing repression in Venezuela, particularly against civil society and opposition members such as María Corina Machado. They highlighted the case of Edmundo González Urrutia, who was reportedly forced to leave Venezuela despite being seen by many as the legitimate winner of the July election.
Concerns were also raised about arbitrary arrests and abuses following peaceful protests after the election. The G7 expressed alarm over these actions and their impact on regional stability and prosperity, noting that many Venezuelans are fleeing due to humanitarian crises and state repression.
The G7 emphasized the need for a peaceful, democratic solution led by Venezuelans to resolve the crisis. They affirmed their commitment to working with both Venezuelans and international partners to ensure that democratic processes are respected.
