The German government’s initial silence regarding the unfolding events in Venezuela has drawn sharp criticism and sparked a flurry of reactions from within the country’s political landscape. For nearly four hours following confirmation by U.S. President Donald Trump of Venezuelan leader Maduro’s arrest, no official statement materialized from Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) or Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU).
The delay, particularly striking given the timing on a Saturday afternoon, was compounded by an apparent lack of responsiveness from both the Federal Press Office and the Foreign Office, rendering them unreachable for media inquiries. An unnamed source within the Foreign Office eventually conceded that the situation in Venezuela was being “closely monitored” and viewed with “utmost concern”, but this did little to quell the growing unease.
While the executive branch remained conspicuously muted, parliamentary factions quickly voiced their positions, revealing a deep divergence in perspectives. Jürgen Hardt, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group’s foreign policy spokesperson, framed Maduro’s detention as a “ray of hope” a perspective shared by some within the governing coalition. However, Roderich Kiesewetter, another CDU foreign policy expert, leveled a significant accusation at the United States, alleging that their actions represent a definitive departure from the established rules-based international order.
Opposition parties have been far less reticent. Representatives of the Left party condemned the actions as an “egregious violation of international law” while the Green Party is demanding that the German government unequivocally denounce what they characterize as U.S. aggression.
The government’s delayed and ultimately fragmented response underscores a broader dilemma: balancing diplomatic obligations, acknowledging the unilateral action of a key ally and safeguarding principles of international law. The situation exposes potential cracks within the ruling coalition regarding Germany’s foreign policy stance and raises questions about the government’s willingness to assert its independent position on the global stage. The lack of immediate clarity risks damaging Germany’s reputation as a reliable and principled actor in international affairs.
