Albanese Calls for Stability While Coalition Celebrates Maduro’s Fall

CANBERRA : The Australian government has adopted a “measured” response to the dramatic ousting and capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over escalation.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

In a statement released today, the Prime Minister stopped short of criticizing the US military operation but emphasized the need for a “peaceful, democratic transition.”

“Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles,” the PM said. “We continue to support international law and a transition that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 22 December 2025. fedpol Photo

The tone was markedly different from the Coalition, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash issuing a joint statement welcoming the news.

President Donald Trump departs on Air Force One from Palm Beach International Airport on January 4.

“Under his rule, Venezuela has endured years of repression, systemic human rights abuses, and corruption,” Ley said, adding that Maduro was an “illegitimate president” who is now finally facing justice.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump in a post on X.

Australia’s cautious stance stands in contrast to the exuberant celebrations from some of the United States’ closest global allies:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Trump on his “bold and historic leadership,” saluting the “brilliant action” of American soldiers.

President Javier Milei called the news “excellent for the free world,” describing the event as the inevitable collapse of a dictator who had rigged elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK “shed no tears” for the end of the Maduro regime, despite an initial period of working to “establish the facts.”

In Europe, leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have taken a tempered path. Chancellor Merz stated his government would “take our time” to evaluate the developments, stressing that political instability must not be allowed to arise in the wake of the regime’s collapse.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his government does not recognise an intervention which violates international law.

Pope Leo XIV.

As the US prepares for the next phase of Operation Absolute Resolve, Australia remains focused on the humanitarian and regional implications of a post-Maduro South America.a