Irene Montero sparks controversy in Europe after celebrating Maduro's victory.

The recent intervention by Irene Montero, MEP and a key figure in Podemos, in which she openly celebrated the victory of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has unleashed a torrent of reactions both in Spain and across Europe. Montero, by stating that "democracy is also respected when it loses," appears to have stepped onto delicate ground, given the context of the humanitarian and migratory crisis facing Venezuela, which has led millions of citizens to flee the country in search of better living conditions. In a climate of growing polarization regarding the Venezuelan issue, Chile's Minister of Women and Gender Equity, Antonia Orellana, was compelled to correct Montero. Orellana reminded the European left of its responsibility not to use the Venezuelan crisis as an internal political argument without first listening to the voices of those living at the epicenter of the crisis. This interpellation underscores an existing tension within the European left, which is torn between ideological support for chavismo and the palpable reality of the suffering of the Venezuelan people. Podemos' response to Montero's controversial statement was almost immediate. In a statement, the party demanded the publication of the electoral records from the recent elections in Venezuela while criticizing the "coup-supporting speeches" that, according to them, perpetuated the crisis. However, this attempt to distance itself from Montero's initial celebration did not quell the criticism, as many see it as an act of hypocrisy from a party that has maintained close ties with chavismo for years. Podemos is not a marginal party; it has been part of the government of socialist Pedro Sánchez for four years. This proximity to power raises questions about the president's stance on the situation in Venezuela, as he has shown reluctance to label Maduro's regime as a dictatorship. This complicit silence reflects not only a political strategy but also an ideology that could be fueling the growth of a populist phenomenon on the continent. Adding to the scene is José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Spanish Prime Minister, who has maintained constant contact with chavismo through his visits to Caracas, attempting to mediate between the regime and the opposition. However, his mediation has been criticized for its apparent ineptitude and for his role in whitewashing the Venezuelan regime before Europe, thereby softening the economic sanctions imposed on the country. This behavior has led leaders like Felipe González to label him a "chavismo lobbyist" in the European context. Rodríguez Zapatero's recent silence on the results of the elections in Venezuela has sparked speculation. Is he avoiding comment for fear of repeating Montero's mistakes, or is it a sign of a darker interest linked to the economic benefits he may have gained from his relationship with chavismo? The lack of clarity in his statements has left many with more questions than answers. The impact of these stances is not only political; it is also felt socially. At a time when the anguish and suffering of the Venezuelan people are under international scrutiny, the discourse of the Spanish left may seem disconnected from reality. Celebrating an electoral victory in Venezuela without acknowledging the circumstances surrounding it can be perceived as a lack of sensitivity and disdain for the suffering of citizens. This fundamentally raises the issue of political responsibility. Instead of leveraging the situation to foster constructive dialogue, key figures in the Spanish left seem more concerned with maintaining a narrative that reinforces their ideology. This could lead to an erosion of the credibility of their discourse, both nationally and internationally. The role of the left in Europe in the face of crises like that in Venezuela is critical. The inability to engage in real dialogue with the affected communities can result in misguided policies that not only fail to address the crisis but may also perpetuate it. It is imperative that the voices of those who truly suffer the consequences of these policies are heard and considered. Ultimately, what has happened with Irene Montero and Podemos' response reflects a broader crisis within the European left. While some leaders seek to cling to ideologies that seem anachronistic, the challenge will be to find a path that recognizes reality and advocates for effective solutions that benefit citizens, both in Spain and Venezuela. Politics must ultimately be a vehicle for justice and truth, not merely a game of power and rhetoric.