G7 Denounces the Lack of Democratic Legitimacy of Today’s Presidential Inauguration in Venezuela

The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.

We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, denounce the lack of democratic legitimacy of today’s purported inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as president of Venezuela. We reject Maduro’s continued and repressive grasp at power at the expense of the Venezuelan people, who voted for change peacefully and in large numbers on July 28, 2024, according to independent observers and publicly available electoral records.

We also strongly condemn the ongoing repression of civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela, including opposition leader María Corina Machado. In September, Edmundo González Urrutia, for whom, according to most credible accounts, the Venezuelan people voted by a significant majority on July 28, 2024, was forced to leave the country. In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek refuge outside their homeland. This unacceptable development underscores the urgent need for an environment in Venezuela where democratic engagement can flourish without fear of reprisal.

We share the alarm expressed by Venezuelans and the international community over the persistent disregard by Maduro of the principles of democratic governance, rule of law and human rights. In particular, we are deeply troubled by the arbitrary arrests and other abuses of civilians, including children, youths and activists, following the peaceful democratic protests which occurred after the election and which continue to this day.

We are concerned by the continuing repercussions on stability and prosperity in the region, including in neighboring countries. Venezuelans, confronted with a humanitarian crisis and state repression, continue to flee the country in search of better living conditions and safety.

A peaceful, democratic, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution is needed to resolve this crisis. We remain committed to working with Venezuelans and the international community to ensure that the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the July election, is respected and a peaceful transition of power process is established.