Former presidential candidate Edmundo González, leader of the main opposition coalition in Venezuela, is en route to Spain aboard a military aircraft, according to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
"Edmundo González, at his own request, is flying to Spain on a Spanish Air Force plane. The Government of Spain is committed to the political rights and physical integrity of all Venezuelans," Albares wrote on X, the social media platform.
The Spanish government has denied reaching any agreement with the Chavista regime to facilitate this journey. However, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Edmundo González Urrutia had left the country with a safe-conduct pass after taking refuge for several days in the Spanish embassy in Caracas.
"Today, September 7, Edmundo González Urrutia left the country. After voluntarily seeking refuge in the embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, he requested political asylum," Rodríguez wrote on Instagram.
"In this regard, after the pertinent contacts between both governments, and in compliance with international legality, Venezuela has granted the necessary safe-conducts in the interest of the country's political tranquility and peace," added the Venezuelan official.
Background of Edmundo González's Departure
On September 3, the Venezuelan regime issued an arrest warrant against González on charges including "usurpation of functions," "forgery of public documents," and "conspiracy," among others. According to the Public Ministry, the opposition leader failed to appear for a Prosecutor's Office summons to clarify information about his alleged electoral victory, prompting the arrest order.
Edmundo González Urrutia had been declared the winner of the July 28 presidential elections by his coalition, a result regarded by the opposition and numerous international actors as a fraud orchestrated by the Chavista regime.
FAQs about Edmundo González's Departure to Spain
Here are some common questions and answers about the departure of Edmundo González to Spain, providing further insights into the situation.
Why did Edmundo González leave Venezuela?
Edmundo González left Venezuela seeking political asylum in Spain after facing charges and an arrest warrant issued by the Venezuelan regime.
What charges were brought against Edmundo González?
He faced charges including usurpation of functions, forgery of public documents, and conspiracy, among other accusations.
Did the Spanish government make any agreements with the Chavista regime?
The Spanish government has denied reaching any agreements with the Chavista regime to facilitate González's journey.
How did Edmundo González manage to leave Venezuela?
González managed to leave Venezuela with a safe-conduct pass granted after he took refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas and requested political asylum.