On January 22, 2025, France announced the expulsion of Venezuelan diplomats in a reciprocal measure following the Venezuelan government's decision to limit the number of French diplomats in the country. The French Foreign Ministry indicated that the Venezuelan embassy was given five days to reduce its diplomatic staff.
This decision comes after Venezuela restricted the number of diplomats from France, the Netherlands, and Italy, citing 'hostile conduct' from their governments. France has categorically rejected these allegations and emphasized its commitment to maintaining dialogue to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
In a related context, tensions have escalated following Nicolás Maduro's contested inauguration for a third consecutive term on January 10, which many in the international community consider fraudulent. The Netherlands also recently ordered the reduction of Venezuelan diplomatic positions within its borders.