Paris, France – January 5, 2026 – France's Foreign Ministry has voiced regret over the United States' military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing that the action did not respect international law, while simultaneously stating that Paris will not mourn the end of Maduro's rule, widely viewed as authoritarian.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux, speaking on TF1 and reported by BFMTV, stated: "International law was not respected in the means of action used. We regret that." He acknowledged Maduro's loss of legitimacy, noting that the Venezuelan leader "had lost his popular legitimacy and had not recognized the July 2024 elections" and had engaged in "political imprisonments." Confavreux added, "So, we are not going to regret him," and stressed that France is preparing for a potential era of "the law of the strongest" but does not accept it.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon, appearing on BFMTV, echoed this sentiment, declaring that France "will not shed tears over the departure" of Maduro, whom she described as a "dictator." She called for Venezuela to move "beyond the Maduro era" through a "peaceful and democratic transition," beginning with the release of political prisoners and recognition of the disputed 2024 election results.
These comments reflect France's nuanced position: criticism of the U.S. method due to violations of international norms on the use of force, combined with relief at Maduro's removal amid longstanding concerns over his governance. France, along with much of the international community, did not recognize Maduro's victory in the July 2024 presidential election, widely criticized as fraudulent, and has supported opposition efforts for a democratic transition.
The statements follow the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, in which American forces conducted airstrikes on Venezuelan targets and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a raid in Caracas. President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale" action, stating that the U.S. would temporarily assert control over Venezuela to facilitate a transition and address its oil infrastructure. Maduro and Flores were transferred to New York, where they are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing federal charges related to drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and cooperation with designated terrorist organizations stemming from a 2020 indictment.
Venezuelan officials have denounced the operation as aggression, declared a national emergency, and demanded the couple's release, with Maduro denying all accusations. Reports indicate casualties during the strikes, though figures vary.
France's reaction aligns with broader European concerns. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously stated that the operation "contravenes the principle of non-use of force that underpins international law," while President Emmanuel Macron noted that Venezuelans could "only rejoice" at the end of Maduro's rule. The European Union has urged restraint and respect for international law, with High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasizing monitoring the situation and advocating a peaceful transition.
The incident has sparked global debate over sovereignty, international law, and U.S. intervention precedents. Legal experts argue the action lacked UN authorization and does not qualify as self-defense, potentially violating the UN Charter. Allies like Russia, China, and several Latin American nations have condemned it outright, while others express mixed views, welcoming Maduro's ouster but questioning the means.
In Venezuela, interim leadership under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez maintains continuity, with calls for calm amid uncertainty. The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the crisis, highlighting tensions over unilateral actions in a multipolar world.
France's balanced stance—rejecting the method while not defending Maduro—illustrates the dilemma facing many Western nations: supporting democratic principles without endorsing extralegal interventions. As Maduro's arraignment approaches in New York, attention turns to Venezuela's political future and implications for regional stability.
