The German government’s initial silence regarding the unfolding events in Venezuela has drawn sharp criticism and spotlighted underlying tensions in Berlin’s foreign policy approach. For nearly four hours following confirmation from U.S. President Donald Trump of Venezuelan President Maduro’s arrest, no official statement emerged from Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) or Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU). This unusual delay, particularly on a Saturday afternoon, saw both the Federal Press Office and the Foreign Office unavailable to respond to media inquiries.
The vacuum of official communication was reluctantly filled by statements from within the parliamentary factions. Jürgen Hardt, the CDU parliamentary group’s spokesperson for foreign policy, cautiously expressed optimism, describing Maduro’s detention as a “ray of hope”. However, fellow CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter leveled a significant accusation at the United States, alleging a definitive departure from the internationally established rules-based order.
This stark division within the ruling CDU underscores the complexity of the situation and the strategic calculations at play. Notably, opposition parties reacted more decisively. The Left party condemned the events as an “egregious violation of international law” while the Green party demanded that the German government unequivocally denounce what they characterized as U.S. aggression.
The delayed response from Berlin raises crucial questions about Germany’s willingness to publicly challenge unilateral actions by its key ally, the United States. While acknowledging the precarious political landscape in Venezuela, critics within Germany are questioning whether this silence reflects a desire to avoid confrontation or a genuine policy disagreement regarding the legitimacy of the U.S. intervention. The situation highlights a deepening debate within German political circles on the balance between transatlantic partnership and upholding international legal frameworks. The unfolding events are sure to intensify this debate, potentially impacting future German foreign policy decisions.