Venezuela`s González Vows to `Continue to Fight` for Democracy

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, 75, has vowed to keep fighting for democracy after being granted asylum in Spain. Following weeks in hiding, González left Venezuela and arrived in Madrid at the Torrejón military air base with his wife at 16:00 local time on Sunday (14:00 GMT). His departure came after the disputed July 28 election, in which President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory—a result rejected by González and much of the international community. In a statement released by his press team, González expressed confidence: "Soon, we will continue the fight to achieve freedom and the recovery of democracy in Venezuela."

Before fleeing the country, Venezuelan authorities had issued an arrest warrant against González, accusing him of conspiracy and forging documents. He described facing pressure and threats as he left Caracas. Supporters and international leaders have rallied behind González. María Corina Machado, another prominent opposition figure, noted that he left the country because his life was in danger, calling it part of a "brutal wave of repression" after the elections. Machado had intended to challenge Maduro but was blocked from running by pro-Maduro institutions. The Venezuelan opposition maintains that González won the election by a wide margin, posting voting results online that reportedly prove his victory. The U.S., European Union, and other governments have also refused to recognize Maduro’s victory without the release of verified data from Caracas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned González’s forced departure, saying, "The election results and the will of the people cannot be swept aside by Maduro." He reiterated support for González's continued struggle for liberty and democracy in Venezuela. European leaders echoed these sentiments, with European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell calling González's situation "a sad day for democracy in Venezuela." He emphasized that no political leader should be forced to seek asylum, urging the release of political prisoners and an end to the oppression of opposition figures. Spain has openly welcomed González. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hailed him as "a hero who Spain will not abandon," and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares affirmed Madrid's commitment to political rights for all Venezuelans. As González settled in Spain, Venezuelan security forces surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition figures had sought shelter, accusing them of plotting terrorist acts. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages