The European Parliament has recognized opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightfully elected president of Venezuela, in light of dictator Nicolás Maduro’s refusal to publish the electoral records that supposedly validate him as the winner of the July 28 elections.
The resolution, approved with 309 votes in favor, 201 against and 12 abstentions, also recognizes María Corina Machado as leader of the democratic opposition in Venezuela.
The proposal urged all Member States of the European Union (EU) to adopt the decision and asks both the EU and its member countries to issue an international arrest warrant against Nicolás Maduro for crimes against humanity.
The proposal was presented by Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) and promoted especially by the Spanish popular delegation, which aims to add more pressure to the motherland’s president, Pedro Sánchez.
“A very important victory for all democrats who defend freedom against dictatorships. Not a step back. Until the end,” said PP deputy and spokesperson Dolores Montserrat, on her X account.
Jorge Buxadé, leader of Spain’s hard-right Vox party, said, “The resolution not only has our firm support, but this political group has had a substantial role in drafting the best text in defense of freedom and the State of Right.”
The MEPs urge, according to the resolution, that the European Union and its member states do “the maximum possible” so that González Urrutia can assume the presidency of Venezuela on Jan. 10, 2025.
“Respect for the will of the Venezuelan people, expressed in the elections, remains the only way for Venezuela to reestablish democracy, allow a peaceful and authentic transition and resolve the current humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis,” indicated the European Parliament.
On the other hand, they ask the governments and the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, to reestablish the sanctions against members of the Maduro controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela “as a sign of good will” and that the rest of sanctions against the regime are prolonged and expanded.
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