On Friday, Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo González took to social media to accuse Nicolás Maduro's regime of cementing a coup in the nation. González, who has been acknowledged by millions as the legitimate president, vowed on platform X to uphold the popular will expressed at the polls.
"Venezuelan compatriots! I stand for the will of nearly 8 million Venezuelans at home and the millions abroad who were denied a vote, and I bear the responsibility to defend this mandate," González declared in his post.
The opposition leader emphasized his duty to safeguard the electoral mandate, amidst accusations that Maduro and his administration have breached the Constitution to unlawfully remain in power.
"Today in Caracas, Maduro has breached the Constitution and the sovereign decision of the Venezuelan people, expressed on July 28. He has orchestrated a coup and crowned himself dictator," González stated in a video posted to X.
He further alleged that Maduro's regime lacks popular backing and support from democratic nations, relying instead on alliances with "the dictators of Cuba, Congo, and Nicaragua."
González assured that he is working on securing conditions for his safe return to Venezuela, where he intends to assume his role as constitutional president and commander-in-chief of the National Armed Forces.
He reiterated, "I represent the will of nearly eight million Venezuelans within the country and the millions abroad who were prevented from voting, and I am committed to defending that mandate."
González also condemned recent acts of repression against opposition figures by Maduro's regime, citing the case of María Corina Machado as evidence of Maduro's "cowardice and lack of scruples."
Despite threats, González expressed optimism about soon returning to lead the democratic transition in Venezuela. He highlighted increasing international recognition of his leadership, noting support from Israel and multilateral sanctions against Maduro’s regime.
He expressed gratitude to democratic governments that have heeded his call and urged those yet to do so to take a decisive stance against tyranny.
Additionally, González appealed to the military leadership to disregard the regime's illegal orders and ensure his safety for assuming the office conferred upon him by the people's will.
"The soldiers of our National Armed Forces are part of the same people to whom they owe allegiance through me, as I am the elected president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," he asserted.
Concluding with a message of hope, he assured the Venezuelan people that he would not fail them, reaffirming his commitment to leading the path to freedom. He invoked the legacy of the Liberator and the belief that "freedom always triumphs over tyranny."
"Glory to the brave people!" he ended, calling for unity among all Venezuelans.
On the same day, fellow opposition leader María Corina Machado shared a message on social media, not only condemning the repression she faced but also providing details about the incident and reflecting on Venezuela's political crisis.
In an Instagram post, Machado recounted how she was "violently intercepted" by regime forces after participating in Thursday's opposition rally in Caracas.
FAQs on Venezuela's Political Situation
What accusations has Edmundo González made against Nicolás Maduro?
Edmundo González has accused Nicolás Maduro of orchestrating a coup and violating the Venezuelan Constitution to illegitimately stay in power.
How has the international community responded to Venezuela's political crisis?
The international community, including nations like Israel, has shown support for Edmundo González, with multilateral sanctions placed against Maduro's regime.
What role does the Venezuelan military play in the current political situation?
González has called on the Venezuelan military to disregard illegal orders from Maduro's regime and to ensure his safety for assuming the presidency as per the people's mandate.