The European Parliament has recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's "legitimate acting president"

The European Parliament became Thursday the first European institution to recognize Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela, heightened pressure on the bloc countries he urged to emulate.

The Eurocámara "recognizes Juan Guaidó as acting interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, according to the Venezuelan Constitution ", said the resolution approved by 439 votes in favor, 104 against and 88 abstentions.

MEPs also invite the head of European diplomacy, Federica Mogheriniand to the countries of the European Union (EU) adopt a "firm and unified position"and recognize Guaidó"until new free presidential elections can be called"

Under pressure from Spain, Germany or France, ready to recognize Guaidó, like the United States, Canada and a large part of the countries of Latin America, The EU has issued an ultimatum to Maduro to convene presidential elections "in the coming days", something that has already rejected.

However, the 28th failed to establish a common position on Guaidólimiting itself to indicating that in the absence of elections "it will engage more actions, including the issue of recognition of leadership in the country in accordance with Article 233 of the Constitution".

"Many states (…) have recognized the interim presidency of Guaidó, what is Europe waiting for? All of Europe is watching us, all of Venezuela is watching usthe EPP's Spanish MEP the day before, Esteban González Pons.

MEPs go further and ask the bloc countries that, finally, they recognize the current president of the opposition National Assembly as acting head of state. , "recognize the appointment of [sus] representatives"

The European Parliament also condemned the "fierce repression"in the country by the government of Nicolás Maduro and demanded the release of detained journalists in the last hours of the country, including five European media as the Spanish agency EFE.

The resolution also highlights the initiative of the head of European diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, to launch a International Contact Group this creates the scenario of a dialogue between the government and the opposition, leading to "free" elections in the country.

The EPP (right), the Social Democrats, the ALDE liberals and the conservatives of the CRE have promoted this recognition of the European Parliament, which in 2017 won the Venezuelan opposition to the Sakharov Prize for freedom of conscience.

(With information from AFP)