Reactions from Spain to the Attack on Venezuela and the Capture of Nicolás Maduro
Context of the Attack
On January 3, 2026, the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, conducted airstrikes on various locations in Venezuela, targeting key military sites including the Cuartel de la Montaña. Following these strikes, Trump announced via social media that Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country, raising immediate concerns regarding the operation’s legality and implications.
Spanish Political Responses
Pedro Sánchez’s Call for De-escalation
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for “de-escalation and responsibility” amid growing tensions due to the U.S. actions. His focus is on restoring peace and stability, reflecting concerns about the regional impact of external military interventions.
Marine Le Pen’s Condemnation of Regime Change
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen acknowledged the reasons for condemning Maduro’s regime but opposed the U.S.-led regime change. She stressed that national sovereignty should remain inviolable, urging respect for the Venezuelan people’s rights to determine their own future.
Responses from European Leaders
Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s Stance
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that any solution for Venezuela must adhere to international law. The EU has expressed its support for the Venezuelan people while advocating for a peaceful and democratic transition.
Reaction from the European People’s Party
The European People’s Party has called for a debate in the European Parliament regarding recent events in Venezuela. They hailed the potential end of what they termed a “narcodictatorship” but criticized Sánchez’s government for its perceived inadequacy in addressing the crisis.
Domestic Reactions from Spanish Parties
Left-Wing Responses
Izquierda Unida (United Left) condemned the U.S. military intervention as an “illegal imperialist act.” They labeled Maduro’s capture as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for international accountability regarding the military actions taken.
Podemos, another leftist party, also denounced the attacks. They expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and argued that such military actions constitute a broader strategy of U.S. intervention that undermines regional stability.
Basque Nationalist Party Concerns
The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) voiced concern over what it views as a unilateral breach of international norms by the U.S. They called for a return to a multilateral world order to ensure peace and respect for human rights in Venezuela.
Community Reactions
Celebrations among Venezuelans in Spain
Thousands of Venezuelans in Madrid celebrated Maduro’s capture, hoping it marks the “end of the Maduro regime.” Despite their relief, many remain cautious about the future, advocating for the importance of a democratic transition in Venezuela.
Conclusion
The reactions from Spain underscore a complex mix of support for Venezuelan sovereignty and condemnation of external military actions. As the international community keeps a close eye on developments, the aspirations for a peaceful resolution resonate strongly among those affected by the crisis, both domestically and abroad.