Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sharply criticized EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and the European Union, labeling them a "stigma" in response to their stance on the recent elections.
 
Maduro denounced the EU's allegations of "repression of peaceful protests" in Venezuela, suggesting that these claims ignore the reality of attacks on officials and the sabotage of state institutions within the country.

This criticism follows the EU's decision to escalate pressure on Venezuela and align with the United States in rejecting Nicolas Maduro's recent presidential election victory.

On Sunday, the EU Council declared that the results announced by Venezuela's National Electoral Council on August 2 "cannot be recognized." Borrell reaffirmed that the EU will not endorse the election results until all votes are counted and detailed voting records are provided.

In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil dismissed the EU's statement, asserting on social media that "the EU's aggression against Guaido 1.0 was defeated, and Guaido 2.0’s aggression will also be thwarted by the people’s dignity and its institutions." Gil's comments refer to former National Assembly President Juan Guaido, who declared himself president with backing from the US and the EU.

La agresión de la UE con Guaidó 1.0 fue derrotada, la de Guaidó 2.0 también será aplastada por la dignidad popular y sus instituciones.

Este 6 de agosto se cumplen 200 años de la Batalla de Junín, donde el Ejército Libertador echó a plomo a los imperialistas europeos, no somos… pic.twitter.com/1e8VA5tgRk

— Yvan Gil (@yvangil) August 4, 2024

Gil also instructed Borrell to "keep his nose out of Venezuela," urging him to "respect and remain silent," emphasizing that Venezuela is a nation that secured its independence through "blood and fire." He further asserted that "fascist followers will never return," and reminded Borrell that "August 6 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Junín, where the liberation army defeated European imperialists."

"We are not a colony," he tersely stated.

Maduro declares victory over 'electronic coup'

During a ceremony marking the 87th anniversary of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) on Sunday,  Maduro questioned how the United States would react if American soldiers were killed on duty and what measures it would take if such an incident occurred on its soil.

His remarks followed the announcement of two National Guard members' deaths amid unrest following his election victory, with dozens injured and over 2,000 people arrested in the ensuing riots.

Maduro declared, "we are defeating the coup," labeling it the first cyberfascist coup against Venezuela. He cautioned against efforts to misrepresent the situation, asserting that the electoral process and social media were being exploited to "divide Venezuelans and spread hatred," with the intent of "intimidating the Bolivarian armed forces."

#EnFotos 📸| Presidente @NicolasMaduro enfatizó que el Acto con motivo de la Celebración del 87º Aniversario de la Guardia Nacional Bolivariana tiene lugar en momentos en los que se enfrenta en las calles de Venezuela un golpe de Estado ciberfascista y criminal.

“No tengo dudas… pic.twitter.com/kwBeo7iaMH

— Prensa Presidencial (@PresidencialVen) August 4, 2024

“It is vital for them to wound the Bolivarian National Armed Forces from within, divide them, demoralize them, and demobilize them, because they continue to believe that the Venezuelan military is subordinate to the orders of the US empire,” he stressed.

In this context, Maduro announced that he will increase support to strengthen the Bolivarian National Guard in all areas, including its operational capacity, professional development, and social welfare. He emphasized that more efforts are needed to solidify the Guard's role, highlighting its crucial missions in partnership with the people.

Read more: Maduro vows to prevent coup attempts