Czech leaders respond to US intervention in Venezuela – PM Babiš hopes it will lead to democracy
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) hopes that US intervention in Venezuela will lead to citizens enjoying freedom and democracy and choosing a democratic regime, he said on Instagram. During Saturday's surprise attack on Caracas, US forces detained Venezuela's authoritarian president Nicolás Maduro and his wife and took them to the US.
"Let's hope that all this will lead to the citizens of Venezuela enjoying freedom and democracy and that they will elect a democratic regime," said Babiš.
According to the Czech prime minister, Czechia is mainly concerned with the fate of Jan Darmovzal, who has been imprisoned by the Venezuelan authorities since September 2024 for allegedly attempting to participate in a coup d'état. According to Czech diplomats, such allegations lack any real basis. The non-governmental organization Foro Penal has described the Czech citizen as a person detained for political reasons.
“We are trying to resolve this through various diplomatic contacts. I also raised this issue at the European Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dealing with it,” Babiš noted.
On Sunday’s episode of Czech Television’s program Questions of Václav Moravec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (ANO) said the American attack in Venezuela was unconventional, but Czechia should clearly support the United States.
Meanwhile, on Saturday Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists) said in a statement sent to ČTK that the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers it important to calm the situation in Venezuela and to conduct diplomatic negotiations, including with the local opposition. Macinka identified the safety of Czech citizens as the top priority of his office.
The opposition in Czechia criticized the move but also acknowledged that it could have some positive aspects. Chair of the Pirate Party Zdeněk Hřib wrote on X: “An armed intervention and the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and his wife is an act outside international law. But the assessment of this action will depend on its consequences. If it leads to the establishment of democracy and the rule of law, it will certainly be more favorable than if it turns out to have been merely an attempt to divert attention from President Trump’s domestic political problems.”
He continued: “One thing, however, remains true. The unsanctioned use of force in international relations can contribute to legitimizing Putin’s criminal war against Ukraine, or similar acts of aggression.”
Former prime minister, Petr Fiala (ODS), similarly wrote on X: “It is still too early to assess the situation in Venezuela, and there is not enough information. Nevertheless, if US action leads to the fall of Maduro’s dictatorship, that is a good thing. I wish the Venezuelans a democratic government and freedom. At the same time, it could stop the strengthening of Russian influence in South America, which is also positive. I would hope that these events lead to the swift release of Jan Darmovzal, who has long been imprisoned by Maduro’s regime.”
While the United States has stated that the invasion of Venezuela and the seizure of Maduro were in accordance with US law, critics speak of illegality and a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The UN Security Council will discuss the situation on Monday. As a permanent member of this body, the US has the right of veto, so no binding decision against Washington can be expected.
Following the US intervention, the Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to temporarily assume presidential powers. US President Donald Trump has indicated that the US will temporarily govern the country.
