Macron Clarifies Stance After Backlash Over US Move Against Maduro

French – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that he did not support or endorse the US military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to a government spokesperson. His remarks were meant to clarify an earlier statement in which he suggested that Venezuelans could welcome Maduro’s removal from power.

That initial comment sparked criticism from several political figures in France, who accused Macron of aligning too closely with US President Donald Trump. The controversy also highlighted a contrast with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s response on Saturday, when he criticized the US action as a violation of international law and emphasized that Venezuela’s crisis cannot be resolved through external intervention.

On Monday, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon reported Macron as telling cabinet ministers: “We defend international law and the freedom of peoples. The method employed is neither supported nor approved.”

She said Macron added that, for Venezuela, “if there is to be a transition, then the 2024 winner must obviously play a central role in it”.

That was in reference to Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was widely considered the rightful victor of a 2024 presidential election.

Maduro, however, was proclaimed the winner, sparking deadly riots that were brutally repressed.

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Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has taken over Venezuela’s government as interim leader, and said she wants to discuss “cooperation” with Washington. The country’s military has said it recognises her authority.

Trump says the US is now “in charge” of Venezuela. The White House on Sunday indicated it does not want regime change, just a pliant new Venezuelan government, even if filled with former Maduro associates.