Edmundo González, the candidate considered the winner of the Venezuelan elections on July 28th by the international community, has reiterated his desire to return to Venezuela as soon as possible, before the scheduled inauguration of the president on January 10th. In a press conference at the VI edition of the La Toja Atlantic Link Forum in Galicia, González stated his intention to be in Venezuela to prepare to take office as the new Venezuelan president. He emphasized that he aims to uphold the will of the eight million Venezuelan voters on that day.
González expressed his willingness to return even before January 10th, citing President Maduro’s decision to advance Christmas to October 1st. He stressed his determination to restore democracy in Venezuela and assume the presidency on the scheduled date. He called on the government and other political and institutional actors in Spain to push for a return to respecting the popular sovereignty expressed in the recent elections and the reinstatement of international investments to recover lost wealth.
The Venezuelan politician and diplomat clarified that he does not feel abandoned by the international community, citing increasing support for his candidacy as the elected president. González highlighted the distinction between his situation and that of Juan Guaidó, stating that he was elected by eight million Venezuelans, whereas Guaidó was chosen by the National Assembly. He expressed gratitude for the recognition of his electoral victory by various countries and organizations, emphasizing his commitment to leading the country towards democracy and economic recovery.
At the La Toja Atlantic Link Forum, González referred to historical Venezuelan political figures who sought refuge in Spain, placing his current position in that context. He described the extreme pressures and threats faced by his family as the reasons for seeking asylum in Spain. González thanked Spain for providing temporary refuge and enabling him to advocate for democracy in a free country. He also emphasized that he had no contact with former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero during his negotiations to leave Venezuela, despite previously suggesting Zapatero’s involvement.
González reiterated his condemnation of the climate of fear, blackmail, threats, and censorship in Venezuela, describing it as an “internal exile” caused by the regime. He criticized the communication restrictions imposed by the Maduro government, labeling it as a “communication curfew” imposed on the Venezuelan people to control information. During his participation in the forum, González called on Spain to exert more pressure to restore democratic, diplomatic, institutional, and economic normalcy in Venezuela. He urged Spain to leverage its freedom, diversity, and integration within the European Community to support Venezuela’s popular sovereignty and foster the return of international and Spanish investment to the country.
