Paris/Caracas – French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, January 3, 2026, welcomed the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a U.S. military operation, stating that the Venezuelan people "are today rid of the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro and can only rejoice." In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Macron emphasized the need for a peaceful transition respectful of the people's will, expressing hope that opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia—whom he referred to as "President... elected in 2024"—would swiftly oversee the process.
"The upcoming transition must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people," Macron wrote, accusing Maduro of "trampling on fundamental freedoms" and "gravely undermining the dignity of his own people." He added that he is "currently exchanging with our partners in the region" and that "France is fully mobilized and vigilant, including to ensure the safety of its nationals during these uncertain times."
Macron also revealed he had spoken with Venezuelan opposition figure and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, fully supporting her calls for the release and protection of political prisoners under Maduro's regime. "Like all Venezuelans, she can count on France’s support to raise her voice in favour of a peaceful, democratic transition," he stated.
While celebrating Maduro's ouster, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted concerns over the method, posting that the U.S. operation "violates the principle of non-use of force, which underpins international law." This reflects a nuanced French position: strong criticism of Maduro's authoritarian rule alongside unease about unilateral U.S. military action.
Macron's endorsement of González Urrutia aligns with France's longstanding non-recognition of Maduro's legitimacy following the disputed 2024 elections, where the opposition claims González won overwhelmingly. Opposition leaders Machado and González echoed calls for González to assume power immediately, with Machado declaring "the hour of freedom has arrived" and urging the military to recognize him as commander-in-chief.
The statements come amid global division over the U.S. "Operation Absolute Resolve," which involved airstrikes and the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, now detained in New York on narco-terrorism charges. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela, focusing on oil infrastructure revival with American companies.
European reactions were mixed: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated Maduro's lack of legitimacy but stressed respect for international law and restraint. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain "shed no tears" over Maduro's regime end but sought a peaceful transition. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the intervention legally "complex" while prioritizing stability.
Strong condemnations came from Latin America and Maduro allies: Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva decried interference threatening regional peace; Colombia's Gustavo Petro deployed border forces fearing refugees; Mexico rejected the action as violating the UN Charter; Cuba labeled it "state terrorism"; Russia demanded Maduro's release; China condemned "hegemonic acts."
Supporters included Argentina's Javier Milei, who hailed advancing "liberty," and leaders in El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, and Panama.
The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm, calling it a "dangerous precedent." As Maduro faces arraignment, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume temporary duties, while she defiantly insists Maduro remains legitimate leader.
France's position underscores Europe's preference for democratic processes over military interventions, even against regimes it has long criticized. With uncertainty looming—potential instability, refugee flows, and energy market shifts—Macron's call highlights hopes for a swift, Venezuelan-led resolution centered on the opposition's electoral claims.
