Maduro Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela v. Guaidó Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela and Banco Central de Venezuela and The Governor and Company of the Bank of England heard together with The “Maduro Board” of the Central Bank of Venezuela and The “Guaidó Board” of the Central Bank of Venezuela and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and Receivers Appointed by the Court and Central Bank of Venezuela

Abstract

Governments — Recognition — Rival governments — Venezuela — Disputed 2018 Venezuelan presidential election — Whether Mr Maduro or Mr Guaidó President of Venezuela — Whether Maduro Board or Guaidó Board entitled to give instructions on behalf of Central Bank of Venezuela concerning its assets in England

Recognition — Whom United Kingdom Government recognizing as Head of State and Head of Government of Venezuela — Whether United Kingdom Foreign Secretary’s statement constituting recognition of Mr Guaidó as Interim President — Whether United Kingdom Government’s recognition of Mr Guaidó de facto or de jure — Whether United Kingdom Foreign Secretary’s statement of recognition leaving open possibility of continuing implied recognition of Mr Maduro as de facto President — Whether a de facto recognition of Mr Guaidó would violate rule against intervention in internal affairs of a foreign State — “One voice” doctrine — Whether English courts obliged to accept United Kingdom Government’s recognition of Mr Guaidó as conclusive — Foreign act of State doctrine — Whether challenges to validity, under Venezuelan law, of Mr Guaidó’s legislative and executive acts justiciable in English courts

Diplomatic relations — Whether United Kingdom Government’s continued diplomatic relations with Mr Maduro’s representatives in England constituting implied recognition of Mr Maduro as de facto President — The law of England