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For Europe, the important thing is happening in Venezuela, not in Algeria. A mistake ?

(B2) Our German colleague Eric Bonse has an interesting editorial on his blog Lost in Europe, comparing the European reaction on Venezuela and that on Algeria. It is indeed disturbing and it deserves reflection.

How is the EU reacting to the change of power in Algeria? Almost nothing at all. Foreign Affairs Commissioner Federica Mogherini remains silent. She largely prefers to interfere in the power struggle in Venezuela.

Europe thundering over the situation in Venezuela...

As soon as the world learned that self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaidó was going to lose his immunity in Venezuela, Federica Mogherini made an outraged statement. " The European Union strongly condemns the illegal decision taken recently by the Comptroller General of Venezuela to disqualify the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, for 15 years from public office. Such a politically motivated decision, without respect for the guarantees of due process, demonstrates once again the arbitrary nature of the legal proceedings in the country. The restoration of democracy, the rule of law and the separation of powers is imperative.  »

... is silent on Algeria

If we read it like this, we wonder why the EU is not in a position to demand the same from Algeria? " The restoration of democracy, the rule of law and the separation of powers »... this also applies to Algiers. After the resignation of current President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, which apparently was not entirely voluntary, the army is now threatening to take power for good. The people who overthrew Bouteflika, with weeks of peaceful mass protests, feel betrayed. What did we get instead? ... especially the silence.

A real catalyst

It is clear however that in Algeria, the European Union could put its foot in the dish, especially since Algeria is a neighboring country and not as far away as Venezuela. It is also clear that the European Union could be the catalyst for democratic change — unlike in Venezuela, where it plays only a minor role. Why doesn't she try?... 

Fear, interests or a tactic

Is Europe afraid of a second Arab Spring?... Or is it because the North African country also has large gas reserves and is a "popular" buyer of weapons made in Germany (and France)? Or is it because in Algeria – exactly what the EU and the US want for Venezuela has happened – the army is abandoning the leader and going over to the 'good' side? It's cynical, but obvious...

(Eric Bonsé)

Text taken from two articles here et here (in German). Translation and intertitles are by the editor

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