With just a month until Venezuela's scheduled presidential inauguration, opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has reiterated his commitment to assuming the presidency, asserting that he was elected by the majority of Venezuelans. Speaking at an event in Madrid, González Urrutia stated, "I foresee myself stepping into the role for which I was voted by the majority of Venezuelans," as reported by the Efe news agency.
Currently exiled in Spain due to claims of electoral fraud in Venezuela, González Urrutia acknowledged that there is "no willingness to honor the citizens' will expressed in the presidential elections" by Nicolás Maduro and his administration, who still maintain control over the Venezuelan state. Nevertheless, he emphasized that his "hand remains extended, ready to facilitate an orderly and negotiated transition," while underscoring the importance of "continuing to apply maximum democratic and diplomatic pressure to achieve the change that Venezuelans have already decreed."
During the same event, opposition leader María Corina Machado participated virtually from Venezuela, describing the current government as a "regime in its terminal phase," calling it "dangerous, brutal, and irrational," showing signs of "desperation." Machado pointed out that on January 10, Nicolás Maduro has two choices: "He can accept the terms of a negotiation, allowing Edmundo González to be sworn in, and we all win, including the regime itself," or "he can persist with violence," thereby prolonging the "tyranny," which she claims would be a "grave mistake" as it would increase pressure.
The leader of Vente Venezuela also expressed her belief that a "crucial and decisive moment for democracy and freedom" is approaching in Latin America, suggesting that Donald Trump's victory in the United States could benefit the opposition because "they have a clear understanding of Maduro's regime, as well as those in Cuba and Nicaragua," she remarked.
Following the elections held on July 28, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the presidential elections, sparking accusations of fraud and widespread protests, with the opposition publishing online voting results that confirmed González's electoral victory. The electoral authority's proclamation was supported by the country's Supreme Court, although no official figures have been released to substantiate the victory of the follower of the late Hugo Chávez's ideas.
A UN report indicated that Maduro's government had escalated its repressive tactics to suppress peaceful protests and maintain power following the contested elections.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Political Crisis
What is Edmundo González Urrutia's stance on the Venezuelan presidency?
Edmundo González Urrutia is determined to assume the Venezuelan presidency, asserting that he was elected by a majority of Venezuelans and is prepared to facilitate a peaceful transition.
How did María Corina Machado describe the current Venezuelan government?
María Corina Machado referred to the government as a "regime in its terminal phase," labeling it as "dangerous, brutal, and irrational," and noted its signs of desperation.
What were the outcomes of the July 28 elections in Venezuela?
The Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro as the winner, which led to accusations of fraud and mass protests, with the opposition presenting evidence of Edmundo González's victory.