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One month before the scheduled date for the presidential inauguration in Venezuela, opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia reaffirmed his intention to assume the position for which he claims to have been elected by the majority of Venezuelans.
During an event in Madrid, González Urrutia stated, "I see myself taking on the position for which I was elected by the majority of Venezuelans," reports the Efe agency.
Exiled in Spain after denouncing electoral fraud in his country, he admitted that currently "there is no willingness to respect the will of the citizens expressed in the presidential elections" on the part of Nicolás Maduro and his government, who still control the Venezuelan state.
However, he emphasized that his "hand remains extended, ready to facilitate an orderly and agreed-upon transition," while stressing the need to "continue applying maximum democratic and diplomatic pressure to bring about the change that the Venezuelans have already declared."
At the same event, opposition leader María Corina Machado participated remotely from Venezuela and described the current government as a "regime in a terminal phase," "dangerous, brutal, and irrational," exhibiting signs of "desperation."
Machado pointed out that on January 10, Nicolás Maduro has two options: "Either he accepts the terms of a negotiation and Edmundo González is sworn in, which benefits everyone, including the regime itself," or "he continues with bloodshed to prolong the 'tyranny,' which, according to her, would be a 'grave mistake' as it would increase the pressure."
The leader of Vente Venezuela also expressed her conviction that a “crucial and decisive hour for democracy and freedom” is approaching in Latin America, and that Donald Trump's victory in the United States could benefit the opposition because “they are very clear about the regimes in Maduro, Cuba, and Nicaragua,” she noted.
Last July, following the elections held on July 28, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the presidential elections, which sparked allegations of fraud and massive protests, with the opposition publishing online voting results that confirmed González's electoral victory.
The statement from the electoral authority 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 the Maduro government had intensified its repressive tactics to suppress peaceful protests and maintain power following the disputed elections.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Venezuela and Edmundo González
Who is Edmundo González Urrutia and why is his candidacy significant?
Edmundo González Urrutia is a Venezuelan opposition leader who claims to have been elected president of Venezuela in the elections held on July 28, 2024. His candidacy is significant due to allegations of electoral fraud by Nicolás Maduro's regime, leading to massive protests and recognition of his victory by several countries and international organizations.
What has Edmundo González declared about his intention to assume the presidency of Venezuela?
Edmundo González has stated that he plans to return to Venezuela on January 10, 2025, to assume the presidency, asserting that he was elected by the majority of Venezuelans. He is currently in Spain, where he has been granted political asylum, and he aims to restore democracy in his country despite Maduro's control over the state.
How has the international community reacted to the elections in Venezuela?
The international community has shown a divided response. Several countries and international organizations have recognized Edmundo González as the elected president, while others, aligned with Maduro's regime, have supported his reelection. This situation has increased pressure on Maduro's regime to negotiate a peaceful transition.
What role does María Corina Machado play in the current political context of Venezuela?
María Corina Machado is a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition who has reaffirmed Edmundo González's victory in the elections and described the current regime as a "regime in a terminal phase." She has urged the international community to support the democratic transition and has been outspoken in denouncing human rights violations by Maduro's government.
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