The people of Venezuela have for too long been denied the right to be governed by their democratically elected representatives. In the 2024 presidential election, Edmundo González, with the popular support of María Corina Machado, won the mandate of the Venezuelan people. That victory stands in stark contrast to preceding decades marked by stolen elections, systematic human rights abuses, political repression, and the forced exodus of millions of Venezuelans.

When “Chavista” Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime entrenched itself in power in 2012, liberals gathered one year later at the 59th Congress of Liberal International to demand “the restoration of democracy, rule of law, and freedom” in Venezuela. That Congress further affirmed its full support for the democratic opposition in its peaceful and united efforts to restore a democratic system that guarantees civil and property rights for all. Today, the Bureau of Liberal International welcomes the long-overdue opportunity for the Venezuelan people to finally realise these fundamental rights.

The Bureau of Liberal International is clear: the international community, together with Venezuelans around the world, will accept nothing less than a credible and transparent roadmap for a peaceful and prompt transition to full democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. This transition must be led by the democratically elected President of Venezuela, Edmundo González, supported by parliamentarians elected democratically in 2015 . In pursuit of this goal, strong and coordinated international engagement — including clear diplomatic and security guarantees — is essential in order to avoid chaos and bloodshed and to uphold stability in the region. The Bureau further underscores the need for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, as an essential step toward rebuilding trust.

Liberal International remains steadfast in our conviction that all countries have a duty to uphold international law, democracy, and fundamental freedoms.