Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, just days before President Nicolás Maduro’s contentious inauguration for a third term.
González, who claims to have defeated Maduro in last year’s election, is seeking international backing to prevent Maduro’s continued rule.
The meeting was a significant step in González’s effort to secure recognition of what he describes as his rightful victory in the July presidential election. “Campaign victory should be honored through a peaceful transfer back to democratic rule,” a White House statement noted, emphasizing concerns over “Maduro and his representatives’ unacceptable and indiscriminate use of repression against peaceful protesters, democracy activists, and civil society.”
González’s diplomatic tour, which began in Argentina and Uruguay, aims to solidify support across the Americas.
His campaign urged Venezuelans in Washington to join him outside the Organization of American States, showcasing the diaspora’s dedication. “We drove 10 hours in the snowstorm from Boston, and we made it,” said supporter di Martino Popovich. “We couldn’t vote in Venezuela, but we are here to recognize him as our president.”
While González seeks external support, Maduro prepares for his inauguration, endorsed by Venezuela’s National Assembly and the National Electoral Council. Despite this, the legitimacy of the July 28 election is widely contested.
The opposition has accused the electoral body, dominated by Maduro loyalists, of manipulating the results. The election saw more than 2,000 arrests during protests, including minors, opposition leaders, and journalists.
The opposition presented tally sheets from over 80% of voting machines, asserting González’s victory with twice as many votes as Maduro. The U.S.-based Carter Center authenticated these sheets, challenging the official results recognized by Maduro’s administration.
International Backing and Continued Resistance
González has garnered support from several Western nations, with the U.S. and European governments acknowledging him as the legitimate winner. “We had a long, fruitful and cordial conversation with President Biden and his team,” González said, appreciating the U.S. commitment to democratic recovery in Venezuela.
However, the opposition leader faces significant threats from Venezuela’s government. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has dismissed González as a “coward” and a CIA agent without evidence, promising his arrest upon return. González, who fled to Spain after an arrest warrant was issued, is now the subject of a $100,000 bounty by the Venezuelan government.
Despite the risks, González remains defiant. He met with U.S. Representative Mike Waltz, soon-to-be national security adviser under President-elect Donald Trump, strengthening his ties with the incoming U.S. administration.
In a bold move, González addressed Venezuela’s armed forces via social media, urging them to respect the constitution and acknowledge him as the rightful commander in chief. He reminded them of their duty to uphold democratic principles and the popular will.
However, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reiterated the military’s loyalty to Maduro, dismissing González’s claims as “clownish and buffoonish” political antics. Padrino assured the nation that the armed forces would support Maduro during his inauguration.
As the inauguration day approaches, the political climate in Venezuela remains tense. The ongoing dispute over the presidency highlights the nation’s deep divisions and the international community’s critical role in shaping its future.
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