Following the expiration of an ultimatum given to the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, to call for a new election, several European countries have joined the United States in backing opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as the country’s interim president, in an attempt to help resolve the country’s political crisis.
Increasing the number of states against Maduro, members of the European Union Spain, France, Britain and Germany, went through with a promise they made at the issuance of the ultimatum which expired on Sunday, joining other European nations in solidarity with Guaido, recognising him as the president of Venezuela.
Although the 28-member union has been unable to reach a unanimous conclusion due to Italy’s opposition of the ultimatum, Ireland joined the other countries two days later on Wednesday.
Guaido, who also heads the country’s National Assembly, declared himself as the caretaker leader last month, following a highly controversial snap election in May, which was boycotted by the opposition and deemed to be fraudulent by the international community, especially the United States.
Maduro’s failure to cooperate, however, led to a geopolitical divide which feeds the narrative of alleged corruption and dictatorship, which has resulted in a failing economy.
In his response to calls by the international community to fix the elections, and restore confidence back to the people, Maduro had defied the European heads of state, going on to calling them sycophants.
Statements released by the countries backing Guaido, have called for credibility and the restoration of an acceptable democratic procedure from the Venezuelan government.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, told reporters in Madrid on Monday: “We are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela, human rights, elections and no more political prisoners.”
French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, speaking to France Inter Radio on Monday, urged Guaido to call an early presidential election that will ensure “the Venezuelan crisis ends peacefully.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom told Swedish broadcaster SVT the vote that brought Maduro to power was not a “free and fair election.”
The United States first recognised Guaido as the country’s legitimate leader following suspicions that the election was rigged to propel Maduro back into power.
