EU shocking video: Moment MEP scolded for foul-mouthed 'gobs****' rant in EU plenary
IRISH MEP Mick Wallace was reproached after launching into a scathing rant against EU member states recognising the government of "gob****e" Venezuelan President Juan Guaidó.
EU plenary: MEP Mick Wallace ‘reprimanded' for swearing
The Irish politician launched into a scathing rant attacking some European Union member states for recognising self-proclaimed President Juan Guaidó as the official leader of Venezuela despite widespread opposition from the local population. A dozen EU members, including Germany, France and the UK, acknowledged Mr Guaidó as leader of the Latin American country after the deadline to hold new elections expired in February 2019. But Mick Wallace showed his disagreement with the decision in a foul-mouthed speech aimed at colleagues in the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg.
Mr Wallace said: "The Europeans actually do not agree, the recognition of Guaidó is an absolute embarrassment to anyone who has actually occupied this chamber.
"It’s a disgrace on the part of the member states of Europe that so many of them have recognised an unelected gob****e."
But EP vice-president Rainer Wieland was quick to react to the outburst and immediately reprimanded Mr Wallace – by repeating the curse.
Mr Wieland said: "Mr Wallace, you did use the word gob****e and I would reprimand you over that."
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Spain, The Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Czechia and Estonia also officially recognised Mr Guaidó as interim leader after former Nicolas Maduro refused to call new elections last year.
French President Emmanuel Macron insisted Venezuelan voters "have the right" to select their leader but said the decision to acknowledge President Guaidó was taken to help kickstart the electoral process.
In a tweet from 2019, the French President said: "The Venezuelan people have the right to express themselves freely and democratically.
"France recognises @jguaido as 'interim president' to help the electoral process. We support the contract group created alongside the EU during this period of transition."
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Juan Guaidó returned to Venezuela after a short tour of the US and Europe, with angry crowds of Venezuelans meeting the returning interim leader upon his arrival in Caracas.
Crowds screaming "dirty traitor" and "get out" greeted Mr Guaidó before security officials managed to whisk his away while supporters attempted to drown out the critics with chants of "Guaidó, Guaidó."
Writing on Twitter after his return, the Venezuelan politician said: "I'm bringing with me the commitment of the free world willing to help us recover democracy and freedom.
"We begin a new moment."
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Around 50 countries, including the US and the UK, have recognised Mr Guaidó as Venezuelan interim president since January.
Washington has also imposed sanctions to try to dislodge Nicolas Maduro, who is clinging to power thanks to his loyal senior military officers.
The Trump administration tightened oil sanctions on the South American country in September, designating four oil companies that continue to operate in Venezuela for penalties.
The US government has been persistently pressuring Maduro to stand down via tough sanctions and threats of military intervention.