In a move that signals a potential deterioration of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Spain, Venezuela has recalled its ambassador to Spain, Gladys Gutiérrez, and summoned Spain’s ambassador to Venezuela, Ramón Santo, for urgent consultations. This development, which occurred on Friday, September 13, comes in response to critical comments made by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles regarding Venezuela’s political landscape and its treatment of opposition figures.

This escalating diplomatic row was triggered by remarks made by Robles (PSOE/S&D) earlier in the week. The Spanish minister condemned the “persecution” and “limitation of fundamental rights” allegedly imposed by the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on his political opponents. Her statements followed the arrival of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia in Madrid, where he was granted political asylum after facing what Robles described as “judicial persecution.”

Robles emphasized that such practices by the Maduro government were “unacceptable,” claiming that this was a frequent tactic used against dissidents. The remarks have been perceived by the Venezuelan government as a direct affront to its sovereignty, leading to the diplomatic measures seen on Friday.

Venezuela’s Reaction

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, addressing the situation on Thursday via his Telegram channel, explained that Spain’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Ramón Santo, was summoned to appear at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Caracas. Gil confirmed that Venezuela’s own ambassador to Spain, Gladys Gutiérrez, had been recalled for consultations, citing the need for urgent diplomatic discussions.

The Venezuelan government expressed concern over the comments made by Robles, framing them as indicative of a worsening relationship between the two nations. According to reports by EFE, a partner of Euractiv, the Maduro regime views the remarks as an affront to Venezuela’s internal governance and judicial processes, signaling a breakdown in the previously stable, if sometimes tense, relations between Caracas and Madrid.

A Diplomatic Crossroads: Spain’s Response

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, also a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE/S&D), responded to the situation with a notably conciliatory tone. Speaking on Spanish public radio (RNE) on Friday, Albares acknowledged Venezuela’s decision to recall its ambassador and summon Santo for consultations but emphasized that this was a “sovereign decision” by the Venezuelan government, adding that there was little Spain could do beyond working to maintain diplomatic ties.

“Summoning an ambassador and calling for consultations are sovereign decisions of each state, and therefore there is nothing to comment on,” Albares said, avoiding further escalation of the situation. He reiterated Spain’s long-standing historical and economic ties with Venezuela, pledging to seek “the best possible relations” between the two nations despite the current tensions.

Regarding Robles’ comments, Albares distanced himself from the controversy, remarking that he was “not a professor of constitutional law or a political scientist” and, as a foreign affairs minister, it was not his place to speculate on the matter. “We foreign affairs ministers are the last people who should use any kind of adjective,” Albares added, clearly aiming to diffuse the situation without directly contradicting his colleague’s statements.

Conflict: González Urrutia’s Asylum and Spain’s Role

The diplomatic rift between Spain and Venezuela came into the spotlight after the arrival of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia in Madrid on September 8. Urrutia, a vocal critic of the Maduro regime, had been subjected to judicial scrutiny in Venezuela, leading him to seek asylum in Spain. His arrival was followed by Robles’ critical comments about Venezuela’s treatment of political dissidents.

Robles described González Urrutia’s legal challenges as an example of the “judicial persecution” commonly faced by many in Venezuela who oppose Maduro. According to Robles, the regime’s actions amounted to a broader pattern of undermining political opposition and curbing fundamental rights, sparking renewed debate about the Maduro government’s respect for democratic norms.

Spain’s decision to grant Urrutia asylum has been widely seen as an implicit critique of Venezuela’s political environment. It underscores Spain’s alignment with much of the international community, including the European Union, in condemning what many perceive as Maduro’s undemocratic practices. Spain, along with the EU, has consistently called for the Maduro government to provide transparency regarding electoral outcomes and to address allegations of widespread repression against opposition figures.

Tensions between Spain and Venezuela were already simmering due to a parliamentary motion passed by the Spanish parliament on September 11. This non-binding motion called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to formally recognize Edmundo González Urrutia’s victory in Venezuela’s elections, which took place on July 28. The motion, supported by right-wing opposition parties in Spain, was rejected by left-wing forces and the ruling PSOE/S&D coalition, but its passage in parliament added further strain to the already tense diplomatic situation.

Spain’s official position on Venezuela remains consistent with that of the European Union, which demands that the Maduro government produce transparent electoral documentation to substantiate Maduro’s contested victory. Until such documentation is provided, Spain and the EU have refused to formally recognize the results of the election, which many international observers claim was marred by irregularities and voter suppression.

Economic Implications: What’s at Stake?

The potential diplomatic fallout between Venezuela and Spain could have significant economic repercussions, particularly for Spain, which has a vested interest in maintaining stable relations with the South American country. In 2022, Spain was the third-largest destination for Venezuelan exports, with trade totaling $518 million (€468 million). Oil, Venezuela’s most valuable export, accounted for nearly 85% of these shipments.

Additionally, more than 60 Spanish companies currently operate in Venezuela, covering sectors such as finance, tourism, and aviation. Notable Spanish corporations like BBVA Bank, Iberia, and Air Europa have a significant presence in the country, making any disruption in trade relations a matter of serious concern for Spain’s business community. A breakdown in relations could not only impact oil imports but also affect these companies’ operations, leading to economic losses on both sides.

For Venezuela, the severing of ties with Spain would also be detrimental. Spain’s trade relationship provides much-needed foreign exchange to a country struggling under the weight of international sanctions and an economic crisis. Losing one of its key trading partners in Europe would exacerbate Venezuela’s financial troubles and limit its access to European markets.

The Broader Diplomatic Landscape

Beyond the bilateral implications, the current diplomatic spat reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. Relations between Venezuela and Western nations, including the United States and the European Union, have been fraught since Maduro came to power. The Venezuelan government has often accused these nations of meddling in its internal affairs, particularly when they express support for opposition figures or condemn the country’s human rights record.

Spain’s granting of political asylum to González Urrutia and Robles’ subsequent remarks fit into this pattern. For Maduro’s government, these actions are viewed as external interference designed to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty. In contrast, Spain and other Western nations see their support for opposition figures like González Urrutia as part of a broader effort to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching how Spain and Venezuela navigate this diplomatic impasse. The next steps taken by both nations could have wide-reaching implications, not only for their bilateral relations but also for Venezuela’s broader standing on the global stage.

The decision by Venezuela to recall its ambassador and summon Spain’s ambassador for consultations marks a significant moment in the deteriorating relations between the two nations. While Spain has attempted to maintain a balanced approach, the statements made by Defence Minister Margarita Robles have clearly struck a nerve with the Maduro regime.

Both countries have much to lose should the situation escalate further, particularly in the economic sphere. With trade relations and business interests at stake, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic channels can restore calm and prevent a complete breakdown in relations. For now, the eyes of the world are on Caracas and Madrid as they seek a way out of this deepening diplomatic crisis.