EU top diplomat: President Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on January 3, commenting on the situation in the South American country.

Writing on X, Kallas said the EU had consistently maintained that Maduro does not have a legitimate mandate and has called for a peaceful political transition in Venezuela, Caliber.Az reports.

I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles…

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 3, 2026

She added that the bloc was closely following developments on the ground and had discussed the situation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as well as the EU’s ambassador in Caracas.

Kallas stressed that, regardless of the political circumstances, all parties must respect international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and she urged restraint amid ongoing tensions. 

She also emphasised that ensuring the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela remains the bloc’s top priority.

In the early hours of January 3, US forces carried out attacks on multiple sites in Venezuela, including military facilities, with residents in Caracas reporting explosions and temporary power outages.

US President Donald Trump announced that the US has carried out "large scale strike against Venezuela" and "captured its leader, President Nicolas Maduro" and his wife.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the US is preparing to take new action against alleged drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

By Sabina Mammadli