Sun Sep 15 15:47:19 UTC 2024: ## EU Diplomat Labels Maduro’s Venezuela a “Dictatorial Regime” Amid Growing Tensions
**Madrid, Spain** – The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has labelled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government a “dictatorial regime,” escalating tensions between Venezuela and Spain. Borrell’s comments echo those of Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who previously referred to Maduro’s administration as a dictatorship, prompting Venezuela to recall its ambassador from Madrid.
Borrell, a former Spanish foreign minister, cited the arbitrary detention of over 2,000 people since the disputed July 28 presidential election, which the Venezuelan opposition alleges was rigged in favor of Maduro. He also pointed to severe limitations imposed on political parties and the forced exile of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to Spain.
“What do you call all this?” Borrell questioned during an interview. “Of course, this is a dictatorial, authoritarian, dictatorial regime. But just saying so doesn’t solve anything.” He emphasized the need for a solution while acknowledging that diplomacy often requires “verbal restraint.”
Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, claims to have won a third term but has failed to provide detailed voting tallies to support his claim. The opposition, citing polling station-level results, alleges that Gonzalez Urrutia won by a landslide.
Maduro’s controversial re-election sparked massive protests, resulting in at least 27 deaths, 192 injuries, and the arrest of over 2,400 people, including numerous teenagers.
The escalating rhetoric and diplomatic row highlight the deepening crisis in Venezuela and the growing international condemnation of Maduro’s government.
First Piper 