French President Emmanuel Macron has clarified that he neither supported nor approved the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, France’s government said on Monday.
The clarification followed backlash over Macron’s initial reaction, in which he said Venezuelans “can only rejoice” at Maduro’s removal — remarks that drew sharp criticism from French political figures who accused him of aligning too closely with US President Donald Trump.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said Macron told cabinet ministers that France remains committed to international law and national sovereignty.
“We defend international law and the freedom of peoples. The method employed is neither supported nor approved,” Bregeon quoted the president as saying.
Macron’s position also contrasted with that of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who had earlier condemned the US operation, warning that it undermined international law and insisting that Venezuela’s crisis cannot be resolved through external force.
Addressing the political future of Venezuela, Macron said any transition must respect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, adding that its widely recognised winner, Edmundo González Urrutia, should play a central role.
Maduro was officially declared winner of the vote, a result that triggered widespread protests and deadly unrest, which authorities forcefully suppressed.
Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed power as interim leader, with Venezuela’s military affirming its loyalty to her administration. Rodríguez has indicated willingness to open talks with Washington.
President Trump has said the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela, though the White House has insisted it is not pursuing outright regime change, but rather a cooperative government — even if composed of figures previously aligned with Maduro.
