Who Could Lead Venezuela After Maduro: Macron Voiced His Version

• 4.01.2026, 8:57

The transition period must be respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people.

Venezuela's president could be Edmundo Gonzalez, who won the presidential election in 2024, according to opposition forces' calculations.

French President Emmanuel Macron said this on social network X.

Macron believes that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez could become Venezuela's new leader.

The French president said the beginning transition should be peaceful, democratic and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people.

"We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as soon as possible. I am now in talks with our partners in the region," he wrote.

Macron added that France is fully mobilized and vigilant, in particular to guarantee the safety of its citizens in these hours of uncertainty.

Later, Emmanuel Macron wrote another message on social network X, where he noted that he had spoken with opposition spokeswoman Maria Corina Machado and fully supported her call for the release and protection of political prisoners of the Nicolas Maduro regime .

"Like all Venezuelans, she can count on France's support in defending a peaceful, democratic transition that fully respects the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people," he said.

The Venezuelan opposition considers the country's exiled politician Edmundo Gonzalez to be the legitimate president of the country.

Reminder, on the night of January 2 to 3, the United States announced a series of strikes on the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Explosions were heard in different parts of the city. The targets for the strikes were Venezuela's government buildings and military bases.

Subsequently, US President Donald Trump confirmed the large-scale operation against Venezuela, declaring its successful completion. He said Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, had been detained and flown out of the country.