Renew stands with Venezuelan opposition, not with the far-right

In a symbolic stand against the far-right "Patriots" group in the European Parliament, Renew Europe MEPs will today not vote on a text on the political situation in Venezuela, which the "Patriots" Group co-authored.

"Patriots" do not have in mind the interest of Venezuela's opposition. Renew Europe won't take part in this far-right playbook and decided as a group to voice their protest instead.

Publicly available electoral records show that Edmundo González appears to have won the presidential election by a large majority. Renew Europe expects him to be sworn in as President in January 2025.

We stand with the opposition and democracy, contrary to the far-right. That is why we refuse any normalisation of divisive rhetoric and policies that are fundamentally at odds with the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity.

Renew Europe calls for a return to the political centre in the European Parliament and a reaffirmation to democratic and liberal values that promote inclusivity and cooperation. Geopolitical affirmations must be crafted from the centre, between democrats.

Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:

"Renew Europe will not participate in today's final vote regarding the resolution on the situation in Venezuela to oppose that the "Patriots" co-authored this resolution. Renew Europe is fully supporting Venezuela's opposition leader but will not sign up to political deals with the so called "Patriots".

The future of the European Union must be crafted in the political centre. The rise of extremism poses a direct threat to the stability and future of Europe, and it is imperative that all political parties take a stand against it."

Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Partido Nacionalista Vasco, Spain), Renew Europe negotiator, added:

"We would have liked that, following the example of the Platform opposing Nicolás Maduro, a dialogue has taken place here in the European Parliament and an attempt to reach a joint resolution avoiding partisanship and alignment with the extreme right. We hope that on 10 January Nicolás Maduro will not be sworn in as president."