Brussels, September 20, 2024 – The Europe Today: In a significant move on Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the country’s legitimate president. This comes after incumbent President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in the widely disputed presidential election.
The resolution passed with 309 votes in favor and 201 against, though it is non-binding and does not reflect the official stance of individual European Union (EU) member states. The decision underscores the European Parliament’s support for democratic principles in Venezuela, although it stops short of representing a unified EU position on the matter.
“The EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected president of Venezuela, can take office on January 10, 2025,” the European Parliament emphasized in its statement.
Venezuela’s opposition contends that Gonzalez Urrutia won the July presidential election, a claim that has further fueled political tensions in the country. Following the disputed election results, Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Spain, where he has sought refuge.
The European Parliament’s resolution adds international pressure to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, as it highlights continued concerns over the legitimacy of Maduro’s government and calls for democratic reforms.
