US forces have attacked targets in Caracas and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as announced by Donald Trump. The German government expresses concern but does not condemn the action. Greens and SPD criticize the breach of international law and call for de-escalation.
The US military action in Venezuela has sparked international outrage. On Saturday, US forces attacked targets in the capital Caracas and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as announced by US President Donald Trump. The German federal government initially responded cautiously: A spokesperson stated that the developments are being followed "with great concern." A crisis staff in the Foreign Office is advising on the situation, with close contact to the embassy in Caracas. No further assessments or condemnations were issued.
In the Bundestag, the Greens sharply criticized the attacks. Parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge called them a "breach of international law" and a "dangerous military escalation." She urged the federal government to condemn this and call on the US for de-escalation, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty. Dröge emphasized that Maduro's authoritarian regime, marked by election manipulations, human rights violations, and repression, is "in no way acceptable," but she also criticized Trump's policy of the "right of the strongest."
While CDU/CSU foreign policy spokesperson Jürgen Hardt viewed the end of Maduro's rule as a "signal of hope," noting that he had suppressed civil society and spread terror and drugs, SPD deputy Siemtje Möller deemed the US approach "unacceptable." She accused Trump of distracting from domestic problems and warned of the "decline of a once stable democratic leading power."
The Left Party condemned the attacks as "state terrorism" and demanded sanctions against Trump similar to those against Putin. At the EU level, Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, after speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appealed for restraint and compliance with international law. EU Council President António Costa also called for de-escalation and a peaceful solution.
A commentary warns of risks for South America, regional destabilization, and a free pass for Russia and China, as Trump breaches international law. Motives such as distraction from budget issues, poor polls, and Venezuela's oil reserves are suspected, without Trump providing a clear justification.
