Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s long-standing position on Venezuela, stating that Rome has never recognized President Nicolás Maduro’s claimed electoral victory and continues to support a democratic transition, as international developments surrounding Venezuela intensified following a dramatic U.S. operation targeting the country’s leadership.
Italy’s Position on Venezuela
In a public statement shared by Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister said Italy has closely monitored developments in Venezuela “since the very first evolutions,” emphasizing coordination with key international partners. According to Meloni, Italy has consistently rejected what she described as Maduro’s “self-proclaimed electoral victory” and has condemned acts of repression carried out by Venezuelan authorities, while backing the Venezuelan people’s aspirations for democratic change.
Meloni stated:
“Italy, together with the main international partners, has never recognized Maduro’s self-proclaimed electoral victory, condemning the regime’s acts of repression and has always supported the Venezuelan people’s aspiration to a democratic transition.”
Her remarks were published via her official account on X.
Military Action and Security Concerns
Meloni also outlined Italy’s stance on the use of force in addressing authoritarian regimes. She said the Italian government does not believe that external military action is an appropriate means to end totalitarian systems. At the same time, she noted that Italy considers defensive interventions legitimate when responding to hybrid threats to national security, including actions linked to state entities that enable narcotrafficking.
She further stressed that the safety of Italian nationals abroad remains a top priority, adding that the government is paying close attention to the condition of the Italian community living in Venezuela.
U.S. Operation and Capture of Maduro
Meloni’s comments came amid rapidly unfolding events in Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces carried out an overnight operation that captured Venezuela’s long-serving president Nicolás Maduro. The operation reportedly caused power outages in parts of Caracas and resulted in Maduro being detained in or near one of his safe houses.
Trump said the United States intends to temporarily oversee Venezuela during a transition period.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said at a press conference in Florida.
Despite the capture, Reuters reported that U.S. forces do not currently control the country and that elements of Maduro’s government still appear to be functioning. Trump also said he was open to deploying U.S. troops, adding:
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.”
Ongoing Developments
As international reactions continue to emerge, Italy’s position, as articulated by Meloni, underscores a consistent policy of non-recognition of Maduro’s electoral claims, opposition to repression, and caution toward military solutions, while prioritizing the protection of Italian citizens amid Venezuela’s uncertain political situation.
