Rome – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on January 3, 2026, that external military action is not the appropriate method to end "totalitarian regimes," while distinguishing the U.S. operation in Venezuela as a potentially legitimate defensive response to hybrid threats, including state-sponsored drug trafficking. Her comments reflect Italy's longstanding non-recognition of Nicolás Maduro's legitimacy and concern for the large Italian-Venezuelan community.
In an official statement from her office, Meloni reaffirmed Italy's position: "Consistent with Italy’s historic position, the government believes that external military action is not the way forward to put an end to totalitarian regimes, but at the same time considers a defensive intervention against hybrid attacks on its own security legitimate, as in the case of state entities that feed and favor drug trafficking." She emphasized close monitoring of developments, particularly for the approximately 160,000 Italian nationals or dual citizens in Venezuela, and coordination with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Meloni has followed Venezuela's crisis closely, condemning repression under Maduro and refusing to recognize his "self-proclaimed electoral victory" in 2024, aligning with many Western partners. Italy activated its diplomatic network and crisis unit to advise citizens to exercise caution and stay informed.
The remarks come amid the U.S. "Operation Absolute Resolve," a large-scale strike on January 3 that captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, now detained in New York on narco-terrorism charges. President Donald Trump announced U.S. intentions to oversee a transition, focusing on economic revival, including oil sector involvement by American companies.
Italy's position highlights a European trend of criticizing Maduro's authoritarianism while expressing reservations about unilateral military force. Similar nuance appeared in statements from France, Germany, and the UK, prioritizing international law and democratic processes.
Broader international reactions remain divided. Condemnations from Latin American left-leaning governments—Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Cuba—labeled the action a violation of sovereignty and a dangerous precedent. Russia and China demanded Maduro's release, with Beijing calling it "hegemonic." The UN Secretary-General voiced alarm over implications for global norms.
Support emerged from right-leaning leaders: Argentina's Javier Milei celebrated it as advancing freedom, joined by El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, and Panama.
Venezuela's acting leadership under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, vowing resistance and demanding proof of life for the couple.
As Maduro awaits arraignment, questions persist over Venezuela's governance, potential instability, refugee flows, and energy market impacts. Italy's balanced stance—opposing regime-change wars but acknowledging security threats from narcotrafficking—mirrors debates within NATO and the EU on responding to hybrid challenges without endorsing broad interventions.
Meloni's government, known for Atlanticist alignment and tough anti-drug policies, appears to thread a needle: welcoming Maduro's removal while cautioning against military solutions for political change. This could influence upcoming EU discussions on Venezuela policy.
