BRUSSELS (ChatnewsTV) — The European Parliament has officially recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela, condemning what it describes as electoral fraud orchestrated by the Venezuelan regime.
In a resolution passed on Thursday with 309 votes in favor, 201 against, and 12 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly rejected the actions of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, which they say failed to publish the official results of the July 28, 2024, presidential election. MEPs expressed concern over the refusal of Nicolás Maduro’s regime to respect international calls for electoral integrity and fairness.
“The EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, can take office on January 10, 2025,” the resolution stated.
Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
The Parliament also condemned the Venezuelan government’s treatment of the opposition, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for González and the ongoing persecution of democratic leaders like María Corina Machado, who MEPs recognized as the leader of democratic forces in Venezuela.
MEPs further highlighted widespread reports of murders, harassment, and human rights violations committed by Maduro’s regime, urging the international community to increase pressure for democratic reforms.
“The systematic violations of human rights against the Venezuelan people and opposition leaders must stop,” the resolution declared, calling for the reinstatement of sanctions against members of the National Electoral Council and expanded sanctions against Maduro’s inner circle.
Risk of Renewed Migration Crisis
The Parliament warned that if Maduro’s regime does not respect the democratic process and allow González to take office, Venezuela could face a new wave of mass migration. Since the start of Maduro’s rule, close to eight million Venezuelans have fled the country amid economic collapse and political repression.
“The region is already burdened by the largest migration crisis in the Western Hemisphere, and further obstruction of democratic processes will only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe,” the MEPs said.
The resolution welcomed diplomatic efforts by regional powers such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, and called on the international community to maintain pressure on Maduro to recognize the results of the election.
