French Political Spectrum Divided in Reaction to US Capture of Nicolas Maduro

On January 4, 2026, the US announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation led by American forces, igniting diverse reactions across France's political landscape. While President Donald Trump hailed the event, French political figures condemned the operation for violating international law yet expressed cautious relief about the potential end of Maduro's regime.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explicitly criticized the raid, stating it "contravenes" international norms governing such interventions. The broader French political class echoed disapproval of the unilateral action. The left-wing opposition, including La France insoumise under Jean-Luc Mélenchon, condemned the US operation and critiqued the response of President Emmanuel Macron but notably refrained from denouncing Maduro's government itself.

Meanwhile, the right-wing National Rally carefully positioned itself by emphasizing the need to preserve national sovereignty but stopped short of directly attacking Trump or the US operation. This nuanced stance highlights the complexity within France regarding international interventions and its diplomatic relations with both the US and Venezuela.

These contrasting reactions underscore an overarching consensus against the legality of the US military incursion, even as many French politicians see Maduro's ousting as potentially positive. The unfolding diplomatic repercussions and political discourse in France remain closely watched as the situation develops further.