Protests in Madrid and Amsterdam against Maduro's arrest and US intervention
European capitals witnessed a wave of angry protests on Sunday morning, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering in Madrid and Amsterdam to denounce what they called "imperialist aggression," following the US military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. These demonstrations reflect a sharp division in Western public opinion regarding the international community's approach to the Venezuelan crisis.
Madrid protests: A rejection of American hegemony
In the Spanish capital, Madrid, around a thousand protesters gathered in front of the US embassy, chanting slogans against US policies in Latin America. The protesters carried placards, one of which depicted US President Donald Trump swallowing a bowl of oil painted in the colors of the Venezuelan flag, a symbolic reference to the economic ambitions behind the military intervention. They also chanted slogans such as “Trump is an aggressor” and “No to imperialist aggression against Venezuela.”.
The participation was not limited to the Venezuelan community alone, but the demonstration witnessed a remarkable presence of representatives of Spanish left-wing movements, as the flags of the left-wing Podemos party and the Spanish Communist Party were raised alongside the Venezuelan flag, reflecting broad ideological solidarity against what they consider a blatant interference in the sovereignty of states.
The economic and political background of the conflict
These events gain significance from the historical and economic context of Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. This wealth has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions between Caracas and Washington. President Donald Trump's remarks on Saturday heightened the protesters' fears, as he explicitly stated that his country would "run" Venezuela during a transitional period, indicating that American companies would exploit Venezuelan oil. Protesters interpreted this as conclusive proof that the primary objective of the operation is to seize control of natural resources, not to restore democracy.
Nicolas Maduro is currently in a New York prison awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges, charges his government has long denied and considered a political pretext for interfering in the country's affairs.
Amsterdam joins the wave of anger
In the Netherlands, hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the US consulate in Amsterdam, holding signs with direct and sharp messages such as “Americans go home” and “Stop killing for oil.” According to the ANP news agency, the protesters focused on both the environmental and military dimensions, demanding an end to what they called “Trump’s fossil fuel army,” clearly linking military operations to traditional energy interests.
Diplomatic repercussions and Spain's awkward position
Diplomatically, this operation has placed the Spanish government in a difficult position. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the military action, describing it as an “intervention that violates international law” and threatens regional stability in Latin America. This statement comes despite Spain hosting Edmundo González Urrutia, the Venezuelan opposition candidate for the presidential elections, highlighting Madrid’s attempt to balance supporting democratic change with rejecting foreign military intervention.
Sanchez called for a "fair and dialogue-based" transition period, steering clear of military solutions that could plunge the region into prolonged chaos. Observers note that the arrest of a sitting head of state through a foreign military operation sets a dangerous precedent in international relations, potentially opening the door to further tensions between major powers and developing nations.
