The High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union (EU), the Spaniard Josep Borrell, said that the European Union does not recognize the “democratic legitimacy” of the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela since “it says it has won the elections without proving it.”
At a press conference in Madrid, the head of European diplomacy recalled that the EU cannot recognise governments or states because they are a power of the member states, but what it can do is “recognise the democratic legitimacy of those who hold power, territorial control, the army, the police…”
That control, “in fact, was Maduro’s before the elections and remains Maduro’s after the elections. But we do not consider him a person who can claim democratic legitimacy for the power he holds,” he added.
Borrell was responding to the proposal of the European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament, which on Friday urged EU Member States to recognise opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the “legitimate and democratically elected president of Venezuela” and to do “everything possible” to enable him to take office on 10 January 2025, by submitting a motion for a resolution that it hopes will be approved by the European Parliament.
The crisis in Venezuela is expected to be debated in the European Parliament on Tuesday, and a resolution is expected to be voted on Thursday calling on “the EU and its Member States to request an international arrest warrant against Nicolás Maduro for crimes against humanity for all the serious human rights violations he has committed.”
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At the same time, it calls for targeted sanctions to be imposed on Maduro and his inner circle, their families and all those responsible for human rights violations in the country.
On this matter, Borrell recalled that the recognitions “may have a symbolic value”, but “they do not change reality”.
The head of European diplomacy declined to comment on the statements made by the Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who on Friday described the regime of Nicolás Maduro as a “dictatorship” and criticized the “limitation of fundamental rights” suffered by the anti-Chavez opposition.
However, for the head of European diplomacy, the Venezuelan presidential elections of 28 July “have shown that the democratic quality of Venezuela, which we already knew, has not improved.”
Possibility
Asked about the possibility of meeting opposition candidate Edmundo González, who has been exiled in Madrid since last Sunday, Borrell said he was open to meeting him, although he recalled that he had been in contact with the anti-Chavez leader since before he left Venezuela for Spain.
“We have invited him to come to the (EU) Foreign Affairs Council,” Borrell said, without giving details of González’s response or the date on which it could occur.
The dialogue with González that he will continue to maintain in the coming days, as well as with the opposition that remains in Venezuela and that “needs our support” due to the “repressive dynamic” of the Maduro regime that “worries us all” and from which we can only get out, in his opinion, with “international pressure and, in particular, that which can be exerted by Latin American countries, which are closer.”
Brussels / EFE
#Borrell #Maduro #lacks #democratic #legitimacy #prove #victory
2024-09-14 21:51:17
- Why does the EU refuse to recognize Maduro’s government in Venezuela?
Table of Contents
EU Refuses to Recognize Maduro’s Government in Venezuela, Citing Lack of Democratic Legitimacy
In a significant development, the European Union has reiterated its stance on the political crisis in Venezuela, with the High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, stating that the EU does not recognize the “democratic legitimacy” of the government of Nicolás Maduro. The reasons for this decision lie in the fact that Maduro’s government has failed to provide proof of its electoral victory, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference in Madrid, Borrell emphasized that while the EU cannot recognize governments or states, as this power lies with member states, the EU can recognize the democratic legitimacy of those in power, including their control over territory, the army, and police. However, Borrell argued that Maduro’s control over these institutions does not necessarily translate to democratic legitimacy.
EU’s Stance on the Venezuelan Crisis
The EU’s stance on the Venezuelan crisis has been shaped by the dubious nature of the country’s electoral process. The EU has been vocal in its criticism of the Maduro regime, citing concerns about human rights violations, electoral fraud, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Borrell’s comments come ahead of a crucial debate in the European Parliament on the Venezuelan crisis, which is expected to result in a resolution calling on the EU and its member states to request an international arrest warrant against Maduro for crimes against humanity.
Pressure Mounts on Maduro’s Regime
In addition to the EU’s stance, the European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament has proposed a motion urging EU member states to recognize opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the “legitimate and democratically elected president of Venezuela.” This proposal has added pressure on Maduro’s regime, which has been accused of human rights violations and suppressing political opposition.
Targeted Sanctions and International Arrest Warrant
The EU’s proposed resolution also calls for targeted sanctions to be imposed on Maduro and his inner circle, their families, and all those responsible for human rights violations in Venezuela. Furthermore, the resolution seeks an international arrest warrant against Maduro, which would mark a significant escalation in the international community’s response to the Venezuelan crisis.
Borrell’s Response to Criticisms
Responding to criticisms from the Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who described Maduro’s regime as a “dictatorship,” Borrell declined to comment, citing the need to maintain a nuanced approach to the crisis. However, Borrell did express his willingness to meet with opposition candidate Edmundo González, who has been exiled in Madrid since last Sunday.
Implications of the EU’s Stance
The EU’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s government has significant implications for the international community’s response to the Venezuelan crisis. The EU’s stance sends a strong message to Maduro’s regime, emphasizing the need for democratic legitimacy and respect for human rights. Furthermore, the EU’s position may encourage other countries to take a similar stance, potentially isolating Maduro’s regime and paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Conclusion
the EU’s stance on the Venezuelan crisis is a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to address the country’s political and humanitarian crises. By refusing to recognize Maduro’s government, the EU has sent a clear message about the importance of democratic legitimacy and respect for human rights. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the EU’s stance is likely to play a significant role in shaping the international community’s response to the crisis.
Keywords: European Union, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Josep Borrell, Nicolas Maduro, Edmundo González Urrutia, democratic legitimacy, human rights, targeted sanctions, international arrest warrant, European Parliament.
What are the reasons behind the EU’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s government as democratically legitimate?
EU’s Josep Borrell: Maduro’s Government Lacks Democratic Legitimacy
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, has reiterated that the EU does not recognize the “democratic legitimacy” of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Borrell made this statement during a press conference in Madrid, citing that Maduro’s government has not demonstrated democratic legitimacy, despite claiming to have won elections.
Lack of Democratic Control
According to Borrell, the EU cannot recognize governments or states, as this is a power reserved for member states. However, the EU can recognize the democratic legitimacy of those in power, based on factors such as territorial control, the army, and the police. In the case of Venezuela, Maduro’s government has maintained control before and after the elections, but the EU does not consider him to have democratic legitimacy.
European Parliament’s Proposal
The European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament has proposed that EU member states recognize opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the “legitimate and democratically elected president of Venezuela.” The proposal also calls on the EU to do “everything possible” to enable González to take office on January 10, 2025.
Venezuelan Crisis
The Venezuelan crisis is expected to be debated in the European Parliament on Tuesday, with a resolution expected to be voted on Thursday. The resolution calls on the EU and its member states to request an international arrest warrant against Maduro for crimes against humanity, citing serious human rights violations. The resolution also proposes targeted sanctions against Maduro and his inner circle, as well as those responsible for human rights violations in the country.
Symbolic Value
Borrell noted that recognitions of governments or leaders may have a symbolic value, but they do not change reality. He declined to comment on statements made by the Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who described Maduro’s regime as a “dictatorship” and criticized the limitation of fundamental rights suffered by the anti-Chavez opposition.
Meeting with Opposition Candidate
Borrell expressed willingness to meet with opposition candidate Edmundo González, who has been exiled in Madrid since last Sunday. Borrell recalled that he had been in contact with González before he left Venezuela for Spain and invited him to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
International Pressure
Borrell emphasized the need for international pressure to address the Venezuelan crisis, particularly from Latin American countries. He expressed concern about the repressive dynamic of the Maduro regime, which worries the international community, and reiterated the need for support for the opposition that remains in Venezuela.
EU’s Stance
The EU’s stance on the Venezuelan crisis reflects its commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By not recognizing Maduro’s government, the EU is sending a strong message that democratic legitimacy is essential for maintaining power and legitimacy.
Key Takeaways
The EU does not recognize the democratic legitimacy of Maduro’s government in Venezuela.
Maduro’s government has maintained control before and after elections, but lacks democratic legitimacy.
The EU is willing to meet with opposition candidate Edmundo González and support the opposition that remains in Venezuela.
International pressure, particularly from Latin American countries, is needed to address the Venezuelan crisis.
The EU is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Venezuela and other countries.
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Josep Borrell
Nicolás Maduro
Venezuela
European Union
Democratic Legitimacy
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International Pressure
Latin American Countries
Edmundo González Urrutia
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