THE HAGUE – D66 leader Rob Jetten says the fall of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is understandable given what he describes as the repressive nature of the Maduro regime, but he strongly criticizes the way in which the United States intervened militarily in Venezuela. Jetten shared his position in a public statement on social media.
According to Jetten, the Maduro regime “deserved no sympathy,” arguing that Maduro oppressed his population for years, manipulated elections, and blocked a peaceful transfer of power. He said many Venezuelans, both inside the country and abroad, are likely relieved that the regime has come to an end. The key question now, Jetten stated, is whether Venezuela will be enabled to independently achieve a stable transition toward freedom and democracy, with strong support from the international community.
Criticism of U.S. intervention
At the same time, Jetten was outspoken in his criticism of the U.S. military operation. He said the bombings of Caracas, the arrest of Maduro and his wife, and the effective takeover of state authority by the United States stand “in direct contradiction to international law.”
According to Jetten, unilateral military action without a mandate from the United Nations undermines the international legal order and sets a dangerous precedent in which power risks prevailing over the rule of law.
Implications for the Caribbean Kingdom
Jetten also highlighted the direct consequences for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire located just a short distance from Venezuela, he stressed that instability in the region could have far-reaching effects on security, migration flows, and tourism.
He said the Netherlands and the European Union must be prepared for all possible scenarios and actively contribute to de-escalation, regional stability, the safeguarding of Caribbean airspace, and the protection of civilians in and around Venezuela.
Call for emergency debate
D66 has confirmed its support for the request by the ChristenUnie to hold an emergency parliamentary debate with the cabinet on the situation in Venezuela and its implications for the Netherlands and the wider Kingdom.
The debate is expected to focus on regional security, international law, and the measures needed to protect the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom amid the rapidly evolving crisis.