Macron: France "Disagrees" with the Method of Maduro's Removal in Venezuela

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday, during a cabinet meeting, that France "does not support or approve" of the "method" used by the United States to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transport him to U.S. territory, according to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon. Bregeon told reporters that while Macron considers Maduro a "dictator" and views his departure as "good news for Venezuelans," he strictly opposes the tactical approach taken by Washington.

The French President had faced domestic criticism, particularly from the political left, for failing to condemn the U.S. methods in his initial reaction to the operation.

German Demand for Clarification: On a related note, a spokesperson for the German government stated on Monday that the United States must explain its actions in Venezuela to the world. During a regular press conference, the spokesperson remarked that the U.S. needs to clarify to the international community the legal basis on which the recent actions should be judged, noting that "this has not happened yet."

Context of the Operation: The United States launched strikes on targets in Venezuela early Saturday, capturing Maduro and removing him from the country along with his wife. He is scheduled to stand trial in New York on drug-related charges. The U.S. has considered Maduro an illegitimate ruler since he declared victory in the 2018 elections, which Washington claims were marred by widespread fraud. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro led a criminal network—comprised of Venezuelan political and military officials—that conspired for decades with drug trafficking groups and designated terrorist organizations to flood U.S. territory with thousands of tons of cocaine.