Venezuela has announced that it will reduce the number of diplomats accredited to its embassies in France, Italy, and the Netherlands, following their governments’ vocal condemnation of President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third term.
The foreign ministry of Venezuela, led by Yvan Gil, cited the “hostile” stance taken by these European countries, which have joined the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American nations in rejecting Maduro’s disputed re-election victory from the July 2024 elections.
In a statement released on January 14, the Venezuelan government imposed a strict limit of three accredited diplomats per country from the French, Italian, and Dutch embassies.
Furthermore, the new restrictions include a travel ban, which prevents these diplomats from venturing more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Plaza Bolívar, the symbolic heart of Caracas, without written government approval.
As the capital’s international airport, Simón Bolívar, is located just 23 kilometers from Plaza Bolívar, the travel limitations essentially confine diplomats to the city without official clearance for any trips beyond.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accused the three European nations of supporting “extremist groups” and interfering in Venezuela’s internal matters, urging respect for the country’s sovereignty.
Gil’s statement on Telegram underscored his belief that Venezuela must not tolerate actions that align with the interests of foreign powers, particularly those perceived to be influenced by Washington. The Venezuelan government demanded that the embassies comply with the new measures within 48 hours.
The diplomatic fallout follows the international community’s widespread rejection of Maduro’s controversial victory in the 2024 presidential election, which was marred by accusations of voter manipulation and fraud.
Maduro, 62, has been engaged in an ongoing standoff with the West, which, along with several Latin American countries, refuses to recognize the legitimacy of his re-election.
The July election, held under a cloud of controversy, showed a disputed win for Maduro, whose administration has long faced allegations of undermining democratic processes and curbing political opposition.
Despite Maduro’s claims of victory, opposition groups in Venezuela, led by figures such as Edmundo González Urrutia, argue that the true results showed a clear win for their candidate. González, who fled to Spain in September after initially seeking refuge in the Dutch embassy, has been an outspoken critic of Maduro’s government.
The National Electoral Council (CNE), which remains loyal to Maduro’s regime, announced his victory shortly after polls closed, but has failed to provide a detailed vote breakdown, further fueling suspicions of election manipulation.
The diplomatic tensions with France, Italy, and the Netherlands reflect a broader international effort to pressure Maduro’s government.
These European nations, along with the US and other Western countries, have openly denounced the Maduro administration’s handling of the election and its ongoing human rights abuses.
The Netherlands, in particular, voiced its concern over Venezuela’s decision, with Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp condemning the move as an “escalation” that would hinder efforts to engage in dialogue. He emphasized that there would be a “certain response” from the Netherlands in the wake of these developments.
In a sign of Maduro’s growing international isolation, only two prominent Latin American leaders attended his inauguration in January—Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping sent formal congratulations, but few other international figures have expressed support for the embattled Venezuelan leader.
The situation highlights the continued political polarization in Venezuela, which remains deeply divided over Maduro’s rule and the legitimacy of his government.
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