Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Edmundo González Promises Return on Inauguration Day
Edmundo González, a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, has announced plans to return to Venezuela on January 10 for what he claims will be his inauguration as the elected president. González, who asserted his victory in the contentious July 28 elections for the Congress of Spain and the European Parliament, expressed confidence in his return, stating he may accelerate his plans depending on President Maduro's actions regarding Christmas festivities.
At a recent press conference following the Forum La Toja, González emphasized his determination to restore democracy in Venezuela, remarking, "I will return as soon as possible when we restore democracy in the country. January 10 is the date that is constitutionally scheduled for the inauguration, and I aspire to have the popular will of eight million Venezuelans recognized on that day."
In a direct comparison to his predecessors, including Juan Guaidó, González insisted that their circumstances markedly differ. While Guaidó was appointed by the National Assembly, González claimed that his legitimacy stems from the backing of nearly eight million Venezuelans, reinforcing the notion of a distinct political scenario.
González has repeatedly demanded access to electoral documents that both the international community and the Carter Center, a global oversight entity, have sought but to which the Maduro government has consistently denied access. Despite claims of victory from Maduro and support from judiciary entities aligned with the regime, González argues that what is needed is genuine political will to acknowledge and respect the election results.
Addressing perceptions of abandonment by the international community, González insisted he has not received any assistance or mediation from former President Rodríguez Zapatero regarding his exit from Venezuela. He detailed the ordeal of spending over 30 days in the Dutch Embassy followed by another month in the Spanish Embassy before securing his passage to Madrid. Since September 28, he has been in Spain, formally seeking asylum.
Looking forward, González stated that the future of Nicolás Maduro, when he assumes the presidency, hinges on his respect for the Constitution. His remarks reflect a tenacious resolve amid a complex political landscape, as he prepares to assert his claims and navigate the impending inauguration in January.
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