Key Facts
- ✓ Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemned the reported capture on Saturday morning.
- ✓ The Insoumis party described the event as a military intervention of a bygone era.
- ✓ Mélenchon denounced the alleged kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife.
Quick Summary
The political party Insoumis in France has publicly condemned the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon made the statement on Saturday morning, becoming the first political figure in France to react to the news.
Mélenchon characterized the event as une intervention militaire d’un autre âge, or a military intervention of a bygone era. He further denounced the alleged actions as the odious kidnapping of the president and his spouse. The reaction underscores the party's stance against foreign military interventions in Venezuela.
Reaction from French Political Left
Jean-Luc Mélenchon moved quickly to address the unfolding situation in Venezuela. As the leader of the Insoumis party, he issued a condemnation on Saturday morning. This reaction positioned the party as the first to comment on the reported events within the French political landscape.
The statement focused heavily on the methods allegedly used to detain the Venezuelan leader. The party's response was immediate and critical of the reported foreign involvement. This aligns with the party's historical support for the Venezuelan government and opposition to what they view as imperialist interventions.
"une intervention militaire d’un autre âge et l’enlèvement odieux du président Maduro et de son épouse"
— Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Condemnation of Alleged Military Action
The core of the Insoumis response was a strong rejection of the reported military nature of the operation. Jean-Luc Mélenchon used the phrase "une intervention militaire d’un autre âge" to describe the event. This terminology suggests a return to outdated and aggressive foreign policy tactics.
The condemnation extends beyond the military aspect to the personal safety of the Venezuelan leadership. The party explicitly denounced the capture of both the president and his wife. The language used—"enlèvement odieux" or odious kidnapping—indicates a view of the event as a criminal act rather than a legitimate political transition.
Details of the Accusation
The specific allegations made by the Insoumis party point to direct involvement by Donald Trump. The original reporting indicates that the party views the capture as an action orchestrated by the former US president. This frames the event as a unilateral move by the United States against the sovereign government of Venezuela.
The focus on the kidnapping of the president and his spouse adds a personal dimension to the political accusation. By highlighting the capture of the first family, the party aims to underscore the severity of the alleged violation of international norms. The reaction serves as a sharp critique of US foreign policy regarding Venezuela.
Political Context and Implications
This condemnation highlights the deep political divides within France regarding foreign policy. The Insoumis party, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has consistently supported the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela. Their rapid response signals an intent to mobilize public opinion against the reported intervention.
The incident places the Venezuela crisis back at the forefront of international political discourse. By labeling the event a kidnapping, the Insoumis challenges the legitimacy of the reported operation. This rhetoric is likely to resonate with other left-wing groups globally who oppose US interventionism.




