Macron Calls for Edmundo González Urrutia to Lead Venezuelan Transition Following Maduro's Capture

French President Urges Peaceful Transition in Venezuela

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly called for Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia to lead the transition of power in Venezuela. Macron's statement, made on January 3, 2026, comes in the immediate aftermath of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces. The French President stressed that the upcoming transition must be 'peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people'.

In his remarks, Macron expressed hope that González Urrutia, whom he referred to as 'elected in 2024', would be able to ensure this transition as swiftly as possible. He also indicated ongoing discussions with regional partners to ensure stability and the safety of French nationals during this uncertain period.

U.S. Military Operation Leads to Maduro's Capture

The dramatic shift in Venezuela's leadership began on January 3, 2026, when a U.S. military operation successfully captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. They were subsequently transported to the United States to face criminal charges, including allegations of narco-terrorism. The operation involved a large-scale strike on Venezuelan territory, targeting military installations and reportedly causing electricity outages in parts of Caracas.

The legality of the U.S. action has drawn mixed international reactions. While some nations welcomed the end of Maduro's rule, others, including Mexico, China, and Russia, condemned the military intervention, citing violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Edmundo González Urrutia: Opposition Figure and Disputed Election

Edmundo González Urrutia emerged as a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics as the presidential candidate for the Unitary Platform (PUD), the main opposition alliance, in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election. The election, held on July 28, 2024, was highly contentious. Although the government-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner, the opposition presented strong evidence from poll watchers indicating a victory for González Urrutia.

International observers, including The Carter Center, concluded that the election did not meet international democratic standards and could not verify the CNE's results, noting a 'serious breach of electoral principles'. Many countries, including the United States and most European nations, rejected the official outcome and recognized González Urrutia as the legitimate election winner. Following the election, an arrest warrant was issued for González Urrutia in September 2024, leading him to seek asylum in the Spanish Embassy in Caracas before departing for Spain. He was later awarded the Sakharov Prize in December 2024.

Path Forward for Venezuela

With Nicolas Maduro now in U.S. custody, the focus shifts to the establishment of a new government in Venezuela. President Macron's call for Edmundo González Urrutia to lead this transition underscores the international community's desire for a return to democratic governance and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the disputed 2024 elections. The coming period is expected to be critical for the nation's political future and regional stability.