Speaking after their abstention on the final vote on a European Parliament resolution dealing with the recent election in Venezuela, the Socialists and Democrats reiterate their call for the EU to stay engaged with all political and civil society actors, who are committed to bringing back democracy to Venezuela. The S&D Group backs the constructive approach of the High Representative and EU Foreign Affairs ministers to find a peaceful and democratic solution for the deep crisis in Venezuela, as laid down in their communication of January 6th 2021.*

Neither the EU nor any other international organisation recognised the electoral process to the Venezuelan National Assembly, held on 6 December 2020, as legitimate, because the elections failed internationally accepted standards and minimum democratic guarantees. The majority of the opposition parties did not even participate in the elections.

Disappointed by the attempts of the EPP, Renew and ECR, together with ID, to undermine EU unity and EU consensus on a constructive approach towards Venezuela, the S&D Group decided to abstain in the final vote on the Venezuela resolution. 

Javi López, S&D MEP responsible for Venezuela and Eurolat co-president, said:

“The S&D Group does not recognise the results of the last elections to the Venezuelan National Assembly as the whole electoral process was non-inclusive and did not meet minimum democratic standards. We recognise all political actors in the country, especially the outgoing National Assembly lead by Juan Guaidó, and demand guarantees for their protection and freedom. The EU is called upon to build a constructive horizon for new elections with all necessary democratic guarantees, and at the same time alleviate the profound humanitarian crisis the Venezuelan people are suffering.”

Kati Piri, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, stated:

“The S&D Group reiterates that the only possible path for Venezuela is a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution, respecting both the rule of law and the constructive will of all political actors. We support the efforts and work of the High Representative and vice-president of the Commission Josep Borrell to foster dialogue, and try to achieve a lasting solution with the support of the international community. We will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their legitimate democratic aspirations.”

Maria Manuel Leitão Marques, S&D MEP and EUROLAT coordinator, stated that:

“Regretfully, the 2015 National Assembly has been replaced by an illegitimate one, chosen in a flawed electoral process that deserves our strongest condemnation. The EU must preserve its unique role and bring all Venezuelans to the table, with a reserved seat for the winners of the last free elections, and work on a quick path to free and fair elections, with independent institutions that can monitor the electoral process and the rule of law. The S&D Group is fighting to unite the European Parliament around two priorities: solving the migratory and humanitarian crisis and holding free and fair elections.”

Note to the editor:

* “...the EU will maintain its engagement with all political and civil society actors striving to bring back democracy to Venezuela, including in particular Juan Guaidó and other representatives of the outgoing National Assembly elected in 2015, which was the last free expression of Venezuela in an electoral process.” https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/06/venezuela-declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-situation/