Venezuela Denounces ‘Fascist’ Attacks on Diplomatic Missions

Caracas, January 14, 2025 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The Venezuelan government has condemned attacks against several of its diplomatic missions, linking them to broader “fascist” actions against the Caribbean nation.

Following President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third term on January 10, violent groups vandalized Venezuelan diplomatic offices in Lisbon (Portugal), Frankfurt (Germany), Medellín (Colombia), Vigo (Spain), and San José (Costa Rica). Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yván Gil, described these actions as “coordinated.”

“In a coordinated action by the extremists of deranged fascism, multiple consulates have been targeted by those who aim to damage our diplomatic missions like they do our beloved Bolivarian Homeland,” Gil stated on social media.

Venezuela’s top diplomat urged the governments of the five countries to carry out “prompt investigations” to identify those responsible for the attacks and ensure the safety of their facilities, as mandated by the Vienna Convention.

“The fascist hatred that has been fostered, promoted, and sheltered abroad for years is the primary driver of these aggressions,” he concluded. 

In Spain, perpetrators targeted the exterior of the Venezuelan consulate, causing significant destruction. “They vandalized our building, painting over surfaces and smashing windows,” reported staff from the Vigo office. “These bitter fascists are frustrated by President Maduro’s inauguration.”

While Spanish authorities have yet to issue a statement, the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) has strongly condemned the attacks. They attributed the violence to a “broader strategy orchestrated by the extreme right in Venezuela and internationally” and expressed unwavering support for Maduro’s “legitimate government.”

Meanwhile, in Portugal, anti-government groups attempted to storm the Venezuelan diplomatic mission in Lisbon and threw Molotov cocktails. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel decried the episode as “intolerable,” ordered a police investigation and called for enhanced security measures.

The diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Spain have been tense since Maduro’s first election in 2013 and escalated after the recent presidential vote. Over the years, Spanish authorities have supported efforts to overthrow the Maduro administration, including recognizing the former self-proclaimed “interim government” led by Juan Guaidó as the only legitimate authority in Venezuela.

In September 2024, Spain welcomed US-backed former far-right candidate Edmundo González Urrutia after his voluntary exile to Madrid following his participation in the July 28 election. Although Pedro Sánchez’s government has not officially recognized González’s victory claim, the Spanish Congress of Deputies held a symbolic vote proclaiming him the winner of the presidential contest.

For its part, Venezuela and Portugal have had strained but cordial relations, with Lisbon often deferring to common European Union (EU) positions against Caracas. 

There are no official reports or statements regarding the attacks on Venezuelan diplomatic missions in Costa Rica, Colombia, and Germany. Relations between the Caribbean nation and these three countries have significantly deteriorated since the recent presidential vote.

Germany joined other European nations in questioning the legitimacy of the electoral results, adding to previous grievances. In 2019, Caracas withdrew its diplomatic personnel from Berlin when German authorities recognized Guaidó’s “interim government.” Since then, formal relations have not been fully restored.

On the eve of Maduro’s inauguration ceremony, Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Murillo stated that Bogotá would not recognize the official results from July 28 but would maintain bilateral relations due to the close economic, social, and cultural ties between the neighboring countries. Venezuela and Colombia share a 2,219-kilometer border and host significant migrant communities on both sides.

Costa Rica has likewise labeled the July 28 electoral process as “fraudulent,” joining Argentina, Chile, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay in this stance. In response, Caracas severed diplomatic ties with the seven nations, condemning their “interference” and accusing them of “subordination” to Washington and alignment with “international fascism.”

Previously, Caracas and San José had suspended diplomatic relations in 2020, with limited consular activities resuming in 2023. More recently, the Maduro government accused Paraguay of meddling in internal affairs and broke relations. Asunción reacted by explicitly calling González “president-elect” of Venezuela.

On Wednesday, Caracas announced it would reduce diplomatic staff from the Netherlands, France, and Italy embassies to three members in response to alleged support for “extremist groups” and interference in Venezuela’s internal matters. Additionally, diplomatic personnel will now require authorization to travel more than 40 kilometers from Plaza Bolívar in central Caracas.

“Venezuela demands respect for sovereignty and self-determination—principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter—especially from those who are subordinate to Washington’s directives,” read the statement.

President Maduro was officially sworn in on Friday for his third mandate from January 10, 2025, to January 10, 2031, at the National Assembly’s legislative palace in Caracas. The event took place amidst multiple pro-government rallies and before delegations from 125 countries.

Edited by Ricardo Vaz from Caracas.