The G7 foreign ministers, along with the High Representative of the European Union, have issued a statement denouncing the recent inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as president of Venezuela. The statement highlights concerns over the democratic legitimacy of Maduro's leadership and expresses disapproval of his continued hold on power.
According to independent observers and electoral records, Venezuelans voted for change in large numbers on July 28, 2024. However, the G7 asserts that this election result has been ignored by Maduro’s government. The ministers "reject Maduro’s continued and repressive grasp at power at the expense of the Venezuelan people."
The statement also addresses repression within Venezuela, including actions against opposition leader María Corina Machado. It notes that Edmundo González Urrutia, who reportedly received a significant majority vote from Venezuelans during the July elections, was compelled to leave Venezuela in September.
The G7 emphasizes that no political leader should be forced into exile in a democratic society and calls for an environment where democracy can thrive without fear. Concerns are raised about ongoing human rights abuses following peaceful protests after the elections.
The impact on regional stability is also noted as Venezuelans continue to flee due to humanitarian issues and state repression. The statement concludes with a call for a "peaceful, democratic, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution" to address these challenges.