Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez arrived in Spain on Sunday seeking asylum, following ongoing protests in Venezuela since the controversial election in July. Last week, the Maduro government issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez.
According to Reuters, the Spanish Foreign Ministry stated that Gonzalez, who contested the results of Nicolas Maduro’s bid for re-election, arrived with his wife at the Torrejon de Ardoz Air Base near Madrid.
Venezuelan authorities have accused Gonzalez of conspiracy and other crimes, prompting the arrest warrant, leading the 75-year-old Gonzalez to leave Venezuela a week later. The United States, European Union, and other Western nations all recognize Gonzalez as the true winner of the Venezuelan presidential election.
“This is a sad day for democracy in Venezuela,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief. “In a democratic country, no political leader should be forced to seek refuge in another country.”
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated on Instagram that authorities had provided Gonzalez with a safe passage to restore “political peace.” The Spanish Foreign Ministry mentioned that formal talks with the Venezuelan government regarding Gonzalez’s departure have not yet taken place.
The opposition in Venezuela claims that the election results on July 28 should have shown Gonzalez as the clear winner, and they have posted online what they believe to be the official vote count showing Gonzalez’s victory.
Maduro has dismissed all these claims, alleging a conspiracy by the opposition to undermine his government.
Gonzalez became a candidate in March after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and another substitute were unable to run, leading him to take over the candidacy.
Machado confirmed on social media that Gonzalez is currently in Spain and added that his escape was to protect his “freedom, integrity, and life.”
She stated that Gonzalez will continue to fight for the opposition in Spain, while she will continue to do so within Venezuela, pledging to have Gonzalez sworn in as president on January 10, 2025, the start of the next presidential term.
Despite the arrest warrant issued for Gonzalez, Maduro allowed him to leave, which could alleviate some recent harsh criticisms of him internationally.
The Venezuelan opposition urges more street protests and increased international pressure to overturn what they see as fraudulent election results. However, so far, these strategies have not been successful, as military leaders continue to support Maduro, and with a decrease in protest numbers, the international community has not strengthened sanctions or taken other actions.