The Spanish government has demanded that the Popular Party (PP) “not tarnish the image of Spain” after the accusation made by the PP that Spain participated in the “coup d’état in Venezuela” following the revelation that opposition leader Edmundo González signed a document at the Spanish Embassy acknowledging Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the Venezuelan elections. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized that “Spain has nothing to do with any document that Edmundo González signed” and stated that the Spanish ambassador in the country only facilitated González’s requests. González denied being coerced by the Spanish government or the Spanish Ambassador in Venezuela and insisted that diplomatic efforts were only aimed at facilitating his departure from the country without any pressure.
Government sources stated that they had contacted González to ask him to publicly explain the situation, and he expressed remorse over the controversy, calling the accusations a “nonsense”. The Spanish government clarified that González requested to leave for Spain without reporting any anomalies at the embassy and that Spain decided to welcome the opposition leader due to threats to his civil, political, and human rights outside the embassy. González’s statement highlighted the Spanish government’s commitment to ensuring his security during his journey and thanked Spanish authorities for their support in protecting his human rights.
The explanations from Albares came after the demand from the PP leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, for the Spanish government to replace the Spanish ambassador in Caracas, the resignation of the Foreign Minister, and immediate explanations from the President of the Government to show a clear stance against dictatorship. Feijóo reiterated González’s status as the “elected president” of Venezuela and accused the Spanish government of complicity in the situation, seeking support from Italian Vice President Antonio Tajani to reinforce his claims. The Spanish government repeatedly denied any involvement in negotiations or documents between González and the Venezuelan government.
PP members, including Esteban González Pons, launched severe accusations against the government, alleging complicity in González’s departure from Venezuela. The PP demanded immediate resignation from González Pons, condemning his statements as intolerable and incompatible with diplomacy. The Vice President of the Government, María Jesús Montero, called these accusations a despicable and defamatory act, stating that Spain supported González and followed European guidelines in the crisis. Other PP figures also criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing them of collaborating with the Venezuelan dictatorship and exhibiting authoritarian tendencies.
The FAES Foundation, led by former PP leader José María Aznar, released a statement accusing the government of using the embassy for blackmail and disguising González’s exile as a humanitarian operation. The foundation called for the resignation of Albares, alleging that the Spanish diplomatic service facilitated commitments under pressure and escorted González out of the country after winning the elections. The foundation condemned the government for tarnishing Spain’s name and participating in a disgraceful act. The political controversy surrounding González’s departure continues to escalate, with calls for resignations and accountability from both sides.
