Major European nations recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s president; Russia slams move as ‘interference’
- The coordinated action comes after the expiry of a deadline for President Nicolas Maduro to call a new vote
Germany, Spain, Britain, Austria, Sweden and Denmark recognised Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela on Monday while France said he had the right to organise an election given the socialist government’s refusal.
The coordinated move from major European nations came after the expiry of an eight-day deadline they set last weekend for President Nicolas Maduro to call a new vote.
Russia slammed the European countries’ actions, describing them as attempts to interfere in Venezuela’s domestic affairs.
Maduro, accused of running the OPEC nation like a dictatorship and wrecking its economy, has defied the European nations’ deadline, saying that their ruling elite are sycophantically following United States’ President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Guaido, who leads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself temporary leader last month in a move that has split global powers.
Trump immediately recognised him and European Union nations back Guaido, though some have been nervous over the global precedent of a self-declaration.