French Citizens Protest US Aggression in Venezuela Following Maduro's Capture

Widespread Protests Erupt in Paris

Paris, France – French citizens, alongside various political parties and trade unions, have staged significant protests in the capital against what they describe as US aggression towards Venezuela. The demonstrations follow a US military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Protesters gathered at prominent locations including the Place de la Bastille, the Trocadero Esplanade, and the Place de la République, voicing strong condemnation of the intervention.

Political and Union Mobilization Against US Actions

The protests saw broad participation from various sectors of French society. Political parties, unions, and associations joined citizens in denouncing the US actions. The powerful French trade union, the CGT (Confédération Générale du Travail), issued a statement condemning the military aggression and the 'kidnapping' of President Maduro, calling for resistance and solidarity with Venezuelan trade unionists. Left-wing political figures, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon from La France Insoumise (LFI) and Anasse Kazib from Révolution Permanente (RP), were noted among those present or involved in the demonstrations. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as 'No to Imperialism,' 'Hands off Venezuela,' and 'Stop imperialist aggression, yes to the sovereignty of peoples,' with some demonstrators reportedly burning the American flag.

Demands for Sovereignty and Release of Maduro

The core demands of the protesters centered on the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife, and a staunch defense of Venezuela's national sovereignty. Demonstrators rejected US President Donald Trump's accusations against Venezuela, particularly claims of drug trafficking and terrorism, viewing them as pretexts to seize the nation's vast oil resources. Calls were made for the withdrawal of the US from the Caribbean and for the international community to respect the Venezuelan people's right to self-determination, free from foreign intervention.

French Government's Mixed Reaction

While the protests highlighted strong public opposition, the official French government response presented a more nuanced picture. The French Foreign Ministry issued a sharp diplomatic rebuke, condemning the US military operation as a 'serious act of aggression' and a 'flagrant violation of national sovereignty,' emphasizing that Maduro's arrest violated international law. However, President Emmanuel Macron's initial comments, suggesting the Venezuelan people should 'rejoice' at Maduro's removal, drew criticism from French left-wing parties, who labeled his remarks a 'disgrace.' This divergence underscored the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the events in Venezuela.