Spain Criticizes Venezuela, Diplomatic Tensions Rise

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has labeled Nicolás Maduro's government as a 'dictatorship,' sparking a diplomatic crisis with Venezuela. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned her remarks as 'insolent and rude' and summoned the Spanish ambassador in Caracas to express his protest. Robles' comments were made during a presentation of a book, where she also highlighted the plight of Venezuelans forced to flee their country due to political oppression. This diplomatic spat follows the arrival of Venezuelan opposition politician Edmundo González in Spain, seeking asylum after claiming victory in a contested election. The Spanish government is under pressure from the right-wing opposition to recognize González as the legitimate president, although it remains aligned with the EU's cautious stance on the matter. The situation underscores the sensitive nature of Spain-Venezuela relations, given their historical and cultural ties.