Italian Public and Government Express Divergent Views on US Actions in Venezuela Amid Growing Mobilization

Growing Public Condemnation in Italy

Popular mobilization is on the rise in Italy, with various groups expressing strong disapproval of the United States' escalating actions against Venezuela. These actions are perceived by some as threatening Venezuela's sovereignty and self-determination.

Leading the charge among economists is Luciano Vasapollo, a prominent Italian economist and leader of the Network of Communists in Italy. Vasapollo, also a co-founder of the Italian chapter of the Network of Intellectuals in Defense of Humanity, has publicly condemned recent 'acts of piracy' against Venezuelan oil tankers, which he attributes to orders from US President Donald Trump.

Youth organizations have also played a significant role in these mobilizations. On December 19, 2025, an event in Rome, organized by the Network of Communists alongside left-wing youth groups Cambiare Rotta and Alternative Student Opposition (OSA), saw hundreds of young people gather to express solidarity with Venezuela. Broader protests involving thousands of demonstrators took place on December 11, 2025, in major Italian cities including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Bari, under the slogan 'Hands off Venezuela!'. These demonstrations were convened by a coalition of political, social, and student organizations.

Italy's Official Stance: Diplomacy and Targeted Sanctions

The official position of the Italian government regarding the situation in Venezuela reflects a nuanced approach. Italy maintains a policy of diplomatic neutrality in external conflicts, emphasizing dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly concerning Latin America.

However, Italy has also voiced strong criticisms of the Venezuelan government. In January 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned an 'unacceptable act of repression' in Venezuela, following the brief arrest of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Meloni stated that Italy does not recognize the proclaimed electoral victory of President Nicolás Maduro. Furthermore, in October 2024, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani affirmed Italy's support for targeted sanctions against key figures within the Venezuelan government, clarifying that these measures are not aimed at the Venezuelan populace.

Italy was also among 31 countries that issued a joint statement in September 2024, expressing grave concerns about the situation in Venezuela, advocating for democratic principles, and calling for the release of individuals arbitrarily detained. The Italian government has also appointed a special diplomatic envoy to address the cases of Italian citizens imprisoned in Venezuela, underscoring its commitment to its nationals abroad.

Escalation of US Pressure on Venezuela

The United States has significantly intensified its pressure on Venezuela through a series of sanctions and military actions. Since 2005, the US has imposed targeted sanctions on Venezuelan government entities and individuals, with these measures escalating under the Trump administration. These sanctions encompass various sectors, including petroleum, gold, mining, and banking.

In 2020, the US offered a $15 million reward for the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, which was increased to $25 million in 2025, and reportedly to $50 million by August 2025. The US continues to refuse recognition of Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president, particularly following the disputed July 2024 presidential election.

The return of the Trump administration in January 2025 marked a further escalation, reversing some of the previous administration's engagement policies. In August 2025, the US designated Venezuela's 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign 'terrorist' organization, alleging Maduro's leadership, a claim for which Washington has not provided evidence. A substantial military build-up in the Caribbean Sea commenced in August 2025, involving US airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. This culminated in the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast on December 10, 2025, an act Venezuela denounced as 'international piracy'. Further military deployments included the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and other warships to the Caribbean in November 2025, alongside a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about hazards in Venezuelan airspace due to 'heightened military activity'. In October 2025, President Trump confirmed authorizing the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela.

Calls for Peaceful Resolution Amidst Crisis

The contrasting approaches from the Italian public and government, alongside the intensified US pressure, highlight the complex international dynamics surrounding Venezuela. While popular movements in Italy call for an end to perceived aggression, the Italian government seeks a democratic and peaceful transition, supporting targeted measures against the Maduro regime while maintaining diplomatic channels. The ongoing US actions, including sanctions and military presence, continue to draw international attention and fuel debate over the most effective path to resolving Venezuela's protracted political and economic crisis.