The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament are deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Venezuela and have criticised yesterday’s vote on creating a new assembly to rewrite the country's constitution. The move was widely criticised by international observers and threatens the foundations of democracy in the country.

Speaking about the situation, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:  

“Yesterday’s vote cannot be seen as a genuine act of democracy - it was held against a backdrop of political violence, only increases divisions in the country and threatens Venezuela’s democratically elected institutions.  The election was a sham and the latest example of president Nicolás Maduro's slide towards authoritarianism. We condemn his actions in the strongest possible terms. We urge president Maduro to change course and act to end the turmoil in the country rather than intensifying it. People are dying and thousands lack access to food and basic medicines. This cannot continue. We will not close our eyes to the plight of the Venezuelan people - a peaceful solution must be found as quickly as possible.”