President Macron Clarifies Stance on US Operation Against Maduro After Backlash

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he neither supported nor approved the United States military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to a government spokesperson.

The clarification followed earlier remarks by Macron suggesting that Venezuelans “could only rejoice” at Maduro’s removal, comments that sparked criticism across France. Several political figures accused the French leader of aligning too closely with US President Donald Trump.

Macron’s position also differed from that of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who on Saturday condemned the US action, warning that it undermined international law and insisting that Venezuela’s crisis could not be resolved through external intervention.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to international law and the principle of self-determination.

“We defend international law and the freedom of peoples. The method employed is neither supported nor approved,” Macron was quoted as saying.

He added that any political transition in Venezuela must centre on the recognised winner of the 2024 presidential election, referring to opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who was widely believed to have won the vote.

Maduro was nevertheless declared the victor, a move that triggered widespread protests which were violently suppressed by security forces.

Following Maduro’s removal, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed leadership as interim head of government and has expressed willingness to engage in talks with Washington. Venezuela’s military has since pledged loyalty to her administration.

Meanwhile, President Trump has claimed that the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela. However, the White House has indicated it is not pursuing outright regime change, but rather seeking a cooperative government, even if it includes figures linked to Maduro’s former administration.