Political Rift in France Widens Over International Law Amid Venezuela Crisis

The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, has intensified political divisions within France regarding international law and foreign policy. On January 3, 2026, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France insoumise, participated in a Paris protest condemning the U.S. intervention as a violation of international norms.

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, took a more nuanced stance on social media, expressing support for a "peaceful, democratic transition" in Venezuela aimed at ending Maduro's dictatorship, yet refraining from directly condemning the controversial U.S. military actions. This position drew criticism from left-wing factions and some within Macron's own camp, notably Jean-Noël Barrot, who expressed concern about departing from France's tradition of respecting international law.

The discord within French politics also has geopolitical undertones. European Parliament member Nathalie Loiseau indicated that the government's cautious approach to openly criticizing President Trump stems from fears of harsher U.S. policies toward Ukraine. This is particularly salient ahead of the January 6 conference at the Élysée Palace involving the "coalition of volunteers" supporting Ukraine.

Adding complexity, Trump publicly shared Macron’s message, signaling approval of France’s stance amid the controversy. This interaction underscores the delicate balancing act France faces between maintaining traditional multilateral principles and pragmatically navigating evolving U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration.

These events illustrate a widening political chasm from the highest echelons of the French state down to party members over adherence to international law and multilateralism, a rift underscored by the Venezuelan crisis and its broader implications for global diplomacy and France’s international role.