Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said that Venezuela's government has lacked legitimacy for years, while stressing that all states must continue to respect international law.
In a post on social media platform X, Stubb said that Venezuela's 2024 elections were "grossly unfair" and noted that Finland, as part of the European Union, had already taken that position.
"Nicolas Maduro's regime has long been illegitimate. The elections in 2024 were grossly unfair. Finland has stated this before, as a part of the EU. The Union has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela," Stubb wrote.
His comments came after the United States carried out several strikes in Venezuela overnight into Saturday. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was later detained and transferred to a detention facility in New York, according to US authorities.
While Stubb did not refer directly to the United States in his statement, he underlined the importance of international law.
"However, all states have a responsibility to respect and comply with international law. Preserving this principle is in Finland's vital interests. It is a cornerstone of our foreign policy," he wrote.
Stubb said Finland was closely monitoring the situation and emphasised the need to support democratic change.
"Right now it is important to support the transition to a democratic government. We are monitoring the situation closely."
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) made a similar comment on Saturday, also questioning the legitimacy of Maduro's rule.
Western leaders have reacted cautiously but positively to Maduro's removal from power, while China, Russia and Iran have condemned the US actions.
