German Chancellor Merz Navigates US Intervention in Venezuela
In a carefully worded statement released late Saturday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has adopted a cautious stance regarding the United States’ recent actions in Venezuela, stopping short of outright condemnation while acknowledging the deeply troubled state of the nation under Nicolás Maduro’s leadership.. The timing of the statement, twelve hours after initial reports of the US operation surfaced, suggests a deliberate strategy of considered response rather than immediate reaction.
Merz’s initial assessment was blunt: “Nicolás Maduro has led his country to ruin”. He reiterated Germany’s longstanding non-recognition of Maduro’s legitimacy, citing the manipulated 2024 elections as a key factor. Further criticizing Maduro’s international conduct, the Chancellor pointed to “unfortunate alliances worldwide and Venezuela’s entanglement in the drug trade” as contributing to a destabilizing regional influence. He highlighted Maduro’s role as a source of concern for numerous nations globally.
The Chancellor refrained from a swift judgment on the legality of the US intervention, characterizing the situation as “complex” and requiring further examination. Merz emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to international law in international relations, a procedural nod that avoids explicit approval or rejection of the US actions.
While stopping short of detailed criticism, Merz stressed the necessity of preventing further political instability within Venezuela. He articulated a preference for a “peaceful and orderly transition towards a government legitimized through elections” a call that implicitly underscores a desire for a process seemingly at odds with unilateral military action.
The Chancellor’s measured response has drawn immediate attention, prompting speculation about Germany’s position within the European Union and its relationship with both the US and Venezuela. Critics suggest the statement, while acknowledging the failings of the Maduro regime, risks appearing complicit in US actions that could further undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and exacerbate the already fragile humanitarian situation. The delay in a definitive statement also allows the German government to observe and assess the evolving situation before committing to a longer-term political strategy, highlighting a potential desire to avoid premature alignment with either side in a rapidly developing geopolitical crisis. The emphasis on a “peaceful transition” raises questions regarding the practicality of such a transition given the current circumstances and the perceived role of US intervention.