Video: Irish MEP Mick Wallace calls Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Gerardo Guaidó an 'unelected g******e'.

He said the recognition of by some European Union Member States of Mr. Guaidó as Venezuelan President was an 'embarrassment.'

Speaking during a debate in Strasbourg on European Union sanctions against the Nicolás Maduro regime in Caracas he said: "I have had a big problem with Spain’s position on a lot of aspects in relation to Venezuela, and in particular to the Europeans’ attitude.

"Do you not agree that the recognition of Guaidó is an absolute embarrassment to anyone who has to occupy this Chamber and it is a disgrace on the part of the Member States of Europe that so many of them have recognised an unelected g******e?"

Rainer Wieland, vice-president of the European Parliament, took Mr. Wallace to task over his language.

"You did use the world g******e sir and I would reprimand you for that," said Mr. Wieland.

In response Javier Moreno Sánchez, a Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) MEP, defended Madrid's position.

"I think I have already said it - the socialist government of Spain is consistent. What we want is to find a solution with all Venezuelans.

"The difference is that we seek dialogue and not confrontation and division. Solutions can only be found - because the people of Venezuela are suffering - if we unite the Venezuelans and do not divide them, and that is why the Government of Spain is doing everything possible to find a solution - as I said - negotiated, agreed, democratic."