On the occasion of the inauguration of the new President of Venezuela today, on 10 January 2025, the international liberal family stands united and issues the following statement:
The international liberal family recognises Edmundo González as the legitimate President of Venezuela and rejects Nicolás Maduro as President, reflecting the undeniable democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people and their fight for democracy, freedom, and justice.
The 28 July 2024 election was tainted by widespread fraud and repression orchestrated by the Maduro regime, as documented by international observers and opposition leaders. Yet, despite these attempts to silence democracy, the people’s choice is clear.
We stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan democratic opposition, including our sister party Vente Venezuela and its leader, Maria Corina Machado, who was seized yesterday by regime officials as she sought to protest Maduro’s inauguration. We condemn the ongoing human rights violations as well as the lack of full, transparent and detailed voting results.
Our commitment to democracy over autocracy remains unwavering. It is high time for the international community to accept the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, recognising Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, and to consider further sanctions against the Maduro regime. Only then a peaceful transition to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela can begin.
¡Venezuela libre!
The statement is supported by ALDE Party, Renew Europe, Liberal International and ALDE-PACE
