Spanish Congress Debates Venezuela Crisis Amidst U.S. Intervention and Business Interests
The Spanish Congress debated Spain's complex response to Venezuela's crisis amid U.S. intervention and the interests of Spanish companies.
- • Spanish Congress debated Venezuela’s crisis after Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces.
- • Minister Albares emphasized Spain’s mediating role and advocated Venezuelan self-determination.
- • Left-wing parties criticized U.S. intervention; opposition accused the government of complicity with Maduro’s regime.
- • Opposition leaders contacted major Spanish companies anticipating political change in Venezuela.
- • Spanish firms like Repsol and BBVA remain invested amid ongoing uncertainties.
Key details
On January 15, 2026, the Spanish Congress engaged in a heated debate over Venezuela's escalating political crisis following the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares addressed the chamber to clarify Spain's nuanced stance, emphasizing Spain's mediation role between the Venezuelan regime and opposition, while advocating for Venezuelan self-determination free from external interference.
Left-wing parties including ERC, EH Bildu, BNG, Podemos, and Sumar criticized the U.S. intervention as a violation of international law, demanding Spain reaffirm its respect for Venezuelan sovereignty. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo from the Popular Party (PP), sharply rebuked the government for perceived complicity and "whitewashing" of the Maduro dictatorship. Álvarez de Toledo accused the administration of inaction on behalf of political prisoners and failure to recognize opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate Venezuelan president, contrasting this with the stances of former Spanish prime ministers Felipe González and José María Aznar.
In parallel with the political debate, opposition figures María Corina Machado and Edmundo González have been actively engaging major Spanish companies, signaling expectations of a governmental change in Venezuela. Companies like Repsol, with assets worth 330 million euros in Venezuela, plan to potentially triple oil production contingent on political shifts. BBVA remains the sole Spanish bank operating in Venezuela amid challenges, while Telefónica seeks an exit from the market and Inditex cautiously re-enters with restored retail presence. Airlines such as Iberia and Air Europa have suspended flights citing instability.
Minister Albares highlighted Spain's role in facilitating the release of Venezuelan political prisoners and advocated for a gradual lifting of sanctions against the regime, emphasizing a diplomatic and balanced approach despite U.S. influence. This comprehensive debate reveals Spain's complex balancing act between upholding democratic values, protecting business interests, and navigating international geopolitical dynamics concerning Venezuela.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
