In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Venezuelan National Assembly, led by its President Jorge Rodríguez, has called for a complete severance of relations with Spain. This move comes in direct response to the Spanish Congress’s non-binding resolution recognizing opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela.Rodríguez, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, has ordered the Foreign Policy Commission to draft a resolution for immediate approval by the Assembly. The proposed resolution demands the expulsion of all Spanish diplomatic representatives and the immediate cessation of all Spanish commercial activities in Venezuela.’Let all the representatives of the Spanish government delegation, all the consulates, and all the consuls leave here,’ Rodríguez declared, describing Spain’s action as ‘the most brutal atrocity of the Kingdom of Spain against Venezuela since the times we fought for our independence’. He went further to claim that the Spanish Congress’s decision is ‘equivalent to a declaration of war against the Venezuelan people and government’.The Venezuelan government has accused Spain of interfering in its internal affairs and of repeating the ‘same error’ as in 2019 when it recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president. Rodríguez also criticized Spain for being a ‘refuge for fascists’ and ‘coup plotters,’ referring to Venezuelan opposition figures who have sought asylum in Spain.However, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has maintained its stance of seeking mediation in Venezuela’s post-electoral conflict. Sánchez stated that his government will not change its position and will continue to work towards a ‘political solution negotiated’ in Venezuela.This diplomatic crisis has potential far-reaching consequences, given that there are approximately 136,145 Spanish citizens living in Venezuela and 280,000 Venezuelans residing in Spain. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely watching for further developments in this escalating dispute between Caracas and Madrid.
Key points
- Venezuelan National Assembly calls for complete break in diplomatic, commercial, and consular relations with Spain.
- The move is in response to Spanish Congress recognizing opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as legitimate Venezuelan president.
- Venezuelan government accuses Spain of interfering in its internal affairs.
- Spanish government maintains its stance of seeking mediation in Venezuela’s post-electoral conflict.
- The diplomatic crisis could affect over 400,000 Spanish and Venezuelan citizens living in both countries.
Contradictions👾While the Venezuelan National Assembly is calling for a complete break in relations, the Spanish government maintains its stance of seeking mediation, indicating a potential for diplomatic resolution despite the escalating rhetoric.
