Maduro’s Fall: Paraguay Calls for an Orderly Democratic Transition and Guatemala Calls for a Cessation of Military Action

The Paraguayan government reaffirmed its stance on the Venezuelan crisis and described the regime headed by Nicolás Maduro as a threat to the region, considering it to be a criminal structure formally declared a terrorist organization by the national authorities of that country.  In an official statement issued on January 3, 2026, the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that, although its foreign policy is governed by the peaceful resolution of disputes, it had already warned about the course of the Venezuelan government.  The document argues that the continued existence of this structure in power represented a risk beyond Venezuelan borders.  “In this sense, since it is a criminal structure formally declared as a terrorist organization by the national authorities, its persistence in power represented a threat to the region.”

Call For An Orderly Democratic Transition

Paraguay indicated that it is closely following the events unfolding in Venezuela and reiterated its call for any political change process to be conducted through democratic means.  “Paraguay is closely observing the current events in Venezuela and calls for prioritizing democratic means that guarantee an orderly transition.”  In that context, the Paraguayan government believes that the departure of the Chavista leadership should pave the way for the institutional restoration of the country. 

“The departure of the leader of this terrorist organization must immediately pave the way for the restoration of the rule of law, allowing the popular will expressed at the ballot box to be the sole driving force behind Venezuelan reconstruction.”  The statement was issued from Asunción, dated January 3, 2026, and reflects one of the firmest positions taken by a government in the region regarding the political and security situation in Venezuela. 

Guatemala

Meanwhile, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo called for a halt to military action by the United States and requested respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.  “Peace and respect for international law is the clear path we must follow,” he wrote on his X account. 

“Paraguay reaffirms its historic commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, a fundamental principle that governs its conduct on the international stage. However, our country had previously warned about the unsustainable trajectory of Venezuela under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, head of the Cartel of the Suns.”