The Uruguayan government’s stance on Venezuela has been clarified by Chancellor Mario Lubetkin, who stated that the new administration does not recognize Nicolás Maduro’s government as legitimate, but nor does it acknowledge opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as president. This position is in line with President Yamandú Orsi’s views, who has described the situation in Venezuela as a “dictatorship.” The previous government, under Luis Lacalle Pou, had recognized González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela following the July 2024 elections, but the current administration has opted not to follow suit.
Uruguay’s Stance on Venezuela’s Leadership
In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Lubetkin expressed that Uruguay does not recognize the current situation in Venezuela due to the manner in which the electoral process unfolded. This stance remains unchanged, and the country is faced with a significant challenge: the diplomatic relations between Uruguay and Venezuela are essentially non-existent, with embassies on the verge of closure. A pressing concern is the welfare of thousands of Uruguayan citizens residing in Venezuela, who are left without adequate protection. When questioned about the potential restoration of diplomatic ties, Lubetkin’s response was unequivocal – this is not on the table.
Dialogue with the Venezuelan Opposition
Despite maintaining open communication with the Venezuelan opposition, the Uruguayan government does not recognize González Urrutia as the legitimate leader. As Lubetkin emphasized, “We do not recognize anyone at this moment, neither Maduro nor the president who claimed to have won based on the documents he presented online.” This stance underscores the complex and delicate nature of Uruguay’s position regarding Venezuela’s political landscape. By not recognizing either Maduro or González Urrutia, the Uruguayan government is navigating a precarious path, seeking to balance its diplomatic relations with the need to protect its citizens and uphold democratic values.
