The German Union parliamentary group has revealed internal divisions concerning the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela, highlighting a growing rift within the party and sparking debate about Europe’s role in international affairs. Jürgen Hardt, the group’s foreign policy spokesperson, offered a cautiously optimistic assessment, framing the situation as potentially beneficial for a nation he argues has suffered under Maduro’s regime. “Maduro has, for years, repressed Venezuelan civil society and fueled regional terror and drug trafficking” Hardt told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. “The end of his rule could signal hope for Venezuela, where a large portion of the population has fled the country.
However, Hardt simultaneously urged restraint from German and EU foreign policy, advocating for a continued period of analysis and diplomatic engagement with the United States, neighboring countries and Venezuelan stakeholders. This call for measured response reflects a recognition of the comparatively indirect impact of the Venezuelan crisis on Europe, contrasting it with conflicts in other global regions.
The viewpoint stands in contrast to that of fellow CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter, who expressed deep concern over the implications of the U.S. actions. He argues that President Trump’s actions represent a definitive abandonment of the post-World War II rules-based international order. While acknowledging the authoritarian nature of the Maduro regime, Kiesewetter cautioned against equating it with threats posed by nations like Iran, emphasizing the potential precedents set by military intervention. “This intervention feels like a return to the old U.S. doctrine from before 1940, a mindset of spheres of influence where the right of the stronger prevails over international law” he stated in an interview with Bild.
Kiesewetter’s critique extends beyond the immediate Venezuelan situation, advocating for a more independent European foreign policy. He called for Europe to “largely emancipate itself from the United States” asserting a responsibility to enforce international law and uphold justice within its sphere of influence. He specifically mentioned the need to robustly support allies like Canada and Denmark, the latter currently facing U.S. pressure concerning Greenland, as a key demonstration of this European resolve. Ultimately, Kiesewetter’s stark assessment depicts a profound erosion of trust in American leadership and underscores a compelling argument for a more assertive and autonomous European foreign policy posture.
