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The opposition leader and self-proclaimed elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo González, began a tour of Latin America on Friday to garner support in the region ahead of his anticipated inauguration, scheduled for January 10, where he will confront current president Nicolás Maduro.
The tour began in Buenos Aires, where González met with the Argentine president Javier Milei.
In their meeting, the Argentine president, known for his critical stance towards Maduro, expressed his support for González, whom he considers the legitimate winner of the elections held last July, in which, according to the opposition, he significantly outperformed the Chavista dictator.
González will continue his tour to Uruguay this Friday, where he will meet with President Luis Lacalle Pou and Foreign Minister Omar Paganini.
“Dear Venezuelans in Uruguay, now it’s your turn. Join him at the corner of 19 de abril and Joaquín Suárez. Until the end!” stated opposition leader María Corina Machado on her social media, calling on exiles to unite in the fight for democracy in Venezuela.
González also plans to visit Panama and the Dominican Republic in the coming days. The elected president will be welcomed in Panama by local authorities, while in Santo Domingo, a meeting with senior Dominican officials is scheduled for January 9.
González, 75 years old, fled to Spain in September after being threatened with arrest by the Maduro government, but he has expressed his intention to return to Venezuela to assume the presidency on January 10.
The Venezuelan government, for its part, has offered a reward of $100,000 for information that leads to his capture.
The opposition leader has positioned himself as the true winner of the July elections, discrediting the official results that declared Maduro the victor, whom they accuse of fraud.
Following the protests in the streets of Venezuela over the election result, which led to clashes with the police, 28 people were killed, 200 were injured, and more than 2,400 were arrested.
On Friday, Corina Machado called on Venezuelans to mobilize on the day before the inauguration to support what she refers to as the legitimate will of the people at the polls.
On an international level, González has received recognition from countries such as the United States, which considers him the elected president of Venezuela. Argentina, which does not recognize Maduro's re-election, is one of González's most important allies in this struggle.
For his part, Maduro continues to receive support from a few international allies, with Russia being one of the few countries that has recognized his victory in the July elections. Despite the criticism and international sanctions, Maduro remains in power in Venezuela.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Political Situation in Venezuela and Edmundo González's Tour
Who is Edmundo González and why is he relevant in Venezuelan politics?
Edmundo González is a Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself the elected president of Venezuela following the elections in July 2024, in which he accuses Nicolás Maduro's regime of electoral fraud. His significance lies in the large number of countries that recognize him as the legitimate president, increasing international pressure on the current regime.
What is the purpose of Edmundo González's tour of Latin America?
The purpose of Edmundo González's tour is to consolidate support in Latin America before his inauguration as president of Venezuela on January 10. During the tour, he aims to strengthen relationships with regional leaders who support his leadership and the democratic transition in Venezuela.
Which countries have recognized Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela?
Countries such as the United States, Argentina, and other Latin American nations have recognized Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela. International recognition is crucial for strengthening his position and increasing pressure on Maduro's regime.
What role does María Corina Machado play in the current situation in Venezuela?
María Corina Machado is a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, who supports and mobilizes citizens to back Edmundo González and the fight for democracy in Venezuela. She has been vocal in denouncing human rights violations and calling for mobilizations against Maduro's regime.
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