Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González has officially announced his commitment to “continue to fight” for democracy following his recent asylum grant in Spain.
González, alongside his wife, arrived at the Torrejón de Ardoz military air base in Madrid around 16:00 local time after leaving Venezuela under tense circumstances, having sought refuge at the Spanish embassy in Caracas for weeks.
The 75-year-old’s escape was set against a backdrop of significant political unrest following the contested elections on July 28, where President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory, a result challenged by González and many in the international community. In an audio message released by his team, he expressed optimism for the future of democracy in Venezuela.
Prior to his departure, Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant against González, accusing him of conspiracy and document forgery among other charges. He revealed that his exit from Caracas was fraught with “pressure, coercion, and threats” from government forces.
Maria Corina Machado, an influential opposition leader, highlighted that González felt his life was in jeopardy due to a “brutal wave of repression” following the recent elections. She had anticipated running against Maduro but was obstructed from participating by state institutions loyal to the president.
The opposition has alleged that González won the election decisively, sharing detailed voting data that allegedly confirms his victory over Maduro. The U.S., EU, and multiple foreign governments have rejected Maduro’s claim without comprehensive voting data to substantiate the results.
European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell commented on the situation, stating it is “a sad day for democracy in Venezuela” and emphasized that no political leader should have to seek asylum in another country. He called for an end to the repression of opposition leaders and the release of political prisoners.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised González as “a hero who Spain will not abandon,” reaffirming the commitment to support Venezuelan political rights. Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed the decision to grant asylum, underlining Madrid’s dedication to the rights of all Venezuelans.
González’s departure coincided with intensified security operations surrounding the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition figures are reportedly taking shelter, amid government accusations of planned terrorist activities.
