Diplomatic relations between Spain and Venezuela have been a reflection of the political and economic complexities of both nations over the decades.
This article analyzes the interactions during the mandates of the Spanish presidents José María Aznar, Felipe González, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Mariano Rajoy.
Felipe González (1982-1996)
Context and Cooperation
During Felipe González's mandate, relations between Spain and Venezuela were mostly cordial and cooperative.
González maintained a close relationship with several Venezuelan presidents, including Luis Herrera Campins, Jaime Lusinchi and Carlos Andrés Pérez.
The relationship was consolidated with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1990, which promoted trade, investment and cultural and educational cooperation between both countries.
Agreements and Treaties
- Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (1990): This treaty was a milestone in bilateral relations, establishing a solid framework for collaboration in multiple areas. It reflected the commitment of both countries to strengthen their economic and cultural ties.
Visits and Diplomacy
Felipe González made several official visits to Venezuela, consolidating cooperation and facilitating Spanish investment in key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.
These meetings reinforced an already strong and cooperative relationship.
Disputes
The Venezuelan government defended the accusations of the National Court that linked the Venezuelan Executive with alleged support for ETA and the FARC.
Chávez tried to discredit the order of Judge Eloy Velasco, stating that the ETA militants were in Venezuela based on a 1989 agreement between the then leaders of Spain and Venezuela, Felipe González and Carlos Andrés Pérez (2010).
José María Aznar (1996-2004)
Initial Relationships
Aznar began his mandate with cordial relations with Hugo Chávez, who assumed the presidency of Venezuela in 1999.
Initially, the two leaders had a friendly and cooperative relationship, to the point that Aznar referred to Chávez as his "friend."
Tensions and Conflicts
The relationship between Aznar and Chávez deteriorated significantly after the April 2002 coup.
Chávez accused Aznar of supporting the coup, an accusation Aznar strongly denied.
This event marked a negative turning point in bilateral relations.
Economic impact
Despite political tensions, trade relations continued, with Spain being a major investor in Venezuela, especially in the energy and telecommunications sectors.
Disputes
At the Ibero-American Summit in Santiago de Chile, Chavez called former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar a "fascist" three times. Chávez said: "The then president of Spain, who is a fascist through and through," was the one who "came here to sell us those theses."
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (2004-2011)
Mediation Efforts
Zapatero attempted to maintain a mediation stance, promoting dialogue between the Chávez government and the opposition.
This approach included official visits and participation in international forums to discuss the situation in Venezuela.
Moments of tension
A notable moment of tension was during the Ibero-American Summit in 2007, when King Juan Carlos I uttered the famous phrase "Why don't you shut up?" directed at Chávez, while former President Zapatero asked former President Aznar for respect.
This incident reflected the deep tensions between Spain and Venezuela during that period. Despite his mediation approach, Zapatero faced criticism for his relationship with Chávez and his apparent lack of firmness in the face of human rights violations in Venezuela.
Economic and Political Relations
During Zapatero's term, several economic and energy cooperation agreements were signed, although growing internal political tensions in Venezuela complicated these efforts.
Disputes
During Zapatero's mandate, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to Spain, Alfredo Toro Hardy, to find out the reasons that led Chávez to expel Spanish MEP Luis Herrero from the country, observer of the electoral process in Venezuela.
In 2010, reports emerged that the Chávez government was providing refuge to ETA members in Venezuela.
These reports provoked a strong reaction from the Spanish government and further strained bilateral relations.
Mariano Rajoy (2011-2018)
Critical Posture
Rajoy maintained a critical stance toward the government of Nicolás Maduro, repeatedly denouncing human rights violations and supporting European Union sanctions against Venezuelan officials.
Under his leadership, Spain offered political support to opposition leaders and facilitated asylum and residency for thousands of Venezuelans fleeing the crisis.
humanitarian crisis
The growing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela led to a significant Venezuelan diaspora to Spain.
Rajoy's government highlighted its humanitarian commitment, facilitating asylum and residence for thousands of Venezuelans.
Disputes
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro launched harsh criticism of Rajoy.
In a speech in 2017, Maduro said that “Rajoy and the international right's teeth will burst if they mess with Venezuela«.
Furthermore, in 2017, Rajoy condemned what he called "a coup" in Venezuela, stating that "if the separation of powers is broken, democracy is broken."
In 2018, Maduro’s government expelled the Spanish ambassador in Caracas, Jesús Silva Fernández, accusing him of “interference in the internal affairs” of Venezuela.
This measure provoked a strong diplomatic reaction from Spain and contributed to the escalation of tensions between both countries.
Venezuela Elections 2024
Opinions of Political Leaders on the Elections in Venezuela
Felipe González
Felipe González has declared that it is “not credible” that the results of the elections in Venezuela reflect the will of the people. Aligning himself with the Spanish Executive, he has asked for the publication of the minutes to verify the results.
He insists that the minutes must be checked “one by one” to ensure the validity of the process and respect the democratic will of Venezuelans. .
José María Aznar
Former Spanish President José María Aznar has accused Nicolás Maduro's government of perpetrating "long-planned electoral fraud" in Venezuela's presidential election.
Aznar said that this manipulation has destroyed the democratic will of the majority of Venezuelans and described the situation as "completely unacceptable."
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has not commented on the elections.
However, his role as an election observer has been questioned by many, who see it as an attempt to give legitimacy to an electoral process in question.
Zapatero has rejected the Puebla Group's request to publish the electoral records, which has increased criticism of his actions in Venezuela and relationship with Maduro.
Felipe González criticizes the attitude of former socialist president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who was present in the elections on July 28 as an international observer, accusing him of being the only member of the Puebla Group who attended Venezuela without demanding the review of the minutes .
Mariano Rajoy
Mariano Rajoy has not spoken out either, although we find a totally different situation from that of Zapatero, since in the past he has been very critical of the Maduro government, denouncing human rights violations and supporting the European Union sanctions against Venezuelan officials. .
"Minimum democratic standards have not been respected," he said in the 2018 Venezuelan elections, which kept Nicolás Maduro in power.
Pedro Sánchez
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has demanded this Wednesday “imperative transparency” from the Government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, after last Sunday's elections, in which the electoral authority declared the current president the winner amid complaints of “fraud” on the part of the opposition.
Yolanda Diaz
Yolanda Díaz has asked to recognize the results of the elections in Venezuela despite allegations of fraud, generating controversy and criticism from those who consider that it legitimizes an unfair electoral process.
Juan Carlos Monedero
Juan Carlos Monedero (founder of Podemos), has positioned himself in favor of Maduro, showing their support at a Maduro campaign event.
Santiago Abascal
Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox, declared that "not even the most colossal fraud" can hide the "success" of the opposition in the Venezuelan elections, referring to the results announced by the National Electoral Council that gave victory to Nicolás Maduro.
Alberto Nunez Feijoo
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party, has expressed "well-founded reasons" to suspect fraud in the Venezuelan elections.
Feijóo has requested an audit of the process and the delivery of the electoral records, following the demand of the international community, and has urged the ruling party to accept the true results to defend democracy.
Other Figures
Arturo Pérez-Reverte:
“If I were still the reporter I was, I would dedicate a season to thoroughly investigate the role that the omnipresent Rodríguez Zapatero plays and has been playing for a long time in Venezuela. But I'm just one who writes novels. Let others take care of that.”
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