The Spanish political arena is back in the spotlight following dramatic developments in Venezuela. Partido Popular (People’s Party, PP) has unexpectedly taken a dual stance regarding the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by US special forces on Venezuelan soil. On the one hand, party representatives call the event “a cause for celebration for all supporters of democracy.” On the other, they openly voice doubts about whether international law was violated during the operation. This contradiction in their statements has sparked a heated reaction among both politicians and the public.
Cuca Gamarra, Deputy Secretary for Institutional Renewal, emphasized in a radio interview: “We cannot categorically state that the actions of the US fully comply with international norms.” At the same time, she made no secret of her satisfaction with the ousting of Maduro, calling him a dictator who destroyed the country and triggered a mass exodus of its people. However, she stressed that Spain must remain true to its principles and uphold the rule of international law.
Internal divisions
Internal debates continue within the PP party over how to respond to Washington’s actions. Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo initially urged caution, but a day later openly supported Maduro’s detention. At the same time, he emphasized that it should be opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado who lead the country through its transitional period. This stance clearly diverges from the White House position, which is backing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s interim leader.
Despite its disagreements with the US, the PP avoids openly criticizing Washington. In public statements, party representatives steer clear of direct confrontation with the US administration, though they do not hide their displeasure with the selection of Delcy Rodríguez as the transitional figure. In a recent interview, Gamarra stressed: “For us, the path to Venezuela’s future does not involve Delcy Rodríguez.”
Legal debate
The question of whether the United States violated international law became central to the discussion. In Feijóo’s initial statement, he made no mention of the legal dimension. However, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the “flagrant violation of international law,” the PP leader was compelled to respond. He noted that, despite the positive outcome for democracy, Spain is obliged to defend its values and principles, including respect for international norms.
Gamarra went further, stating that the party has serious doubts about the legality of the US actions. She emphasized that, while there is relief at the removal of a dictator, questions related to the rule of law cannot be ignored. According to her, Spain must remain consistent in its international commitments and not turn a blind eye to possible violations.
Political undertones
In her statements, Gamarra also drew attention to the close ties between Delcy Rodríguez and the Spanish government. She recalled Rodríguez’s scandalous visit to Madrid’s Barajas Airport six years ago, when her arrival was organized by then-Minister of Transport and PSOE Organization Secretary José Luis Ábalos. This episode still raises questions among many Spaniards and is used as an argument against recognizing Rodríguez as the interim leader of Venezuela.
Gamarra insists: “A person under European Union sanctions cannot be a figure in the transitional period.” This statement is clearly aimed at the Sánchez government’s position, which, according to the PP, effectively supports the continuation of the Maduro regime through Delcy Rodríguez.
Spanish caution
Overall, the Partido Popular’s stance on the Venezuelan issue appears extremely cautious and even contradictory. On the one hand, the party does not hide its satisfaction with Maduro’s removal, seeing it as a victory for democracy. On the other, it is in no hurry to endorse the methods used by the US to achieve this outcome and calls for a thorough review from the standpoint of international law.
This approach is driven not only by internal disagreements but also by a desire to maintain good relations with Washington without entering into open confrontation. At the same time, the PP seeks to distance itself from the decisions of the Sánchez government, accusing it of supporting questionable figures and failing to adequately defend democratic values.
The question of who should lead Venezuela’s transitional period remains unresolved. Spanish politicians continue to argue, while the public closely monitors their every move. For now, this story raises more questions than it answers, and one thing is clear: Spain is not ready to unequivocally support either side, preferring to navigate between principles and political interests.
