EU Does Not Recognize Venezuela's Interim President

The European Union does not recognize interim President Delcy Rodríguez, citing a lack of transparency and democratic legitimacy in her election process.

The European Commission spokesperson, Anita Hipper, said on Tuesday that Rodríguez assumed her role following an election process that ignored the Venezuelan people's democratic will. Hipper emphasized that the EU views the election as non-transparent and inconsistent with international democratic standards.

Despite not recognizing Nicolás Maduro or Delcy Rodríguez, the EU will maintain“targeted engagement” with Venezuelan authorities to protect European interests, Hipper added. Brussels aims to balance political principles with pragmatic diplomacy amid Venezuela's ongoing political crisis.

Nicolás Maduro has faced widespread international criticism for undermining democratic institutions in Venezuela. Several countries, including the United States and major European powers, have imposed sanctions on Maduro's government.

Rodríguez, who became interim president following Maduro, has faced scrutiny for her close ties to the ruling party. Analysts warn that continued authoritarian practices could further isolate Venezuela internationally and worsen its economic crisis.

Venezuelan courts have also been active internationally. Maduro recently appeared at the Manhattan Federal Court in the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking, declaring his innocence, while global attention remains focused on the legitimacy of Venezuela's political leadership.

The EU's stance reflects its ongoing approach of combining pressure with engagement, signaling that it will continue monitoring developments in Venezuela while protecting European citizens' economic and strategic interests in the region.

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