S&Ds firmly condemn the lack of legitimacy of Maduro’s takeover and welcome a united message from the European Parliament

Today, the Socialists and Democrats Group backed a European Parliament resolution on the situation of Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro was sworn in on 10 January for a third six-year term.

*Today, the Socialists and Democrats reiterate their position by strongly rejecting the legitimacy of the Venezuelan election results due to the lack of transparency and the takeover by Nicolás Maduro.

The S&Ds, once again, condemn the government's repressive policies and calls for the immediate release of all political detainees.

The S&Ds stand with the HR/VP and the member states to continue to work with all Venezuelans, regional and international partners to foster dialogue and a democratic way out of the crisis led by Venezuelans that restores political stability, economic growth and social welfare to the millions of Venezuelans who face critical needs.

Leire Pajín, vice-chair of the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly and S&D negotiator on the resolution on the situation of Venezuela, said:

"The S&Ds have systematically condemned the situation in Venezuela when it comes to the democratic, economic and social crisis.

"We strongly demand that the Venezuelan authorities respect democracy and the rule of law and call on them to recognise their obligations under international law and to respect the Vienna Convention.

"The situation in Venezuela demands a constructive approach by all pro-European political groups in this House to strengthen our voice in the face of a critical situation that demands, more than ever, a united response.

"Our group supports all the efforts being made by the international community, in particular in the region, to find a peaceful, inclusive and democratic solution to the enduring Venezuelan crisis."

Yannis Maniatis, vice-president of the S&D Group for foreign affairs, security and defence, international energy security and cooperation, said:

"We must remain united in our support to the people of Venezuela in their legitimate democratic aspirations, and today's vote shows that this is possible.

"Maduro's regime lacks any democratic and political legitimacy. The EU must support those efforts that seek a solution to the Venezuelan situation, always respecting its sovereignty. We call on the EU to work with its international partners to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people expressed at the ballot box is respected. The EU must provide logistical and financial support to human rights defenders and civil society."

Notes to the editors

*The Venezuelan presidential elections were held on 28 July 2024. Despite a six-month-long dispute over a contested election, and reiterated calls from international organisations, the Venezuelan electoral authorities have not yet released full, transparent and detailed voting results.