Former opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez fled Venezuela for Spain this weekend, less than a week after a local judge ordered his arrest.
His departure is part of a negotiated agreement with the government of Nicolás Maduro and was announced by Venezuelan authorities on Saturday night, according to the Associated Press.
Although Maduro was declared the winner of the presidential election held on July 28, the United States and other countries have recognized González as the legitimate winner.
Gonzalez arrived in Spain on Sunday with his wife and Spanish officials and made a statement to supporters shortly after, according to the Associated Press.
“Our departure from Caracas was surrounded by acts of pressure, coercion and intimidation,” Gonzalez said, “and I believe that we will soon be able to resume our fight to gain freedom and restore democracy in Venezuela.”
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said late Saturday that he had allowed Gonzalez safe departure from Venezuela to help restore “political peace and tranquility in the country,” according to the Associated Press.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed to continue the fight and said Gonzalez would be sworn in as president on January 10, 2025.
“His life is in danger and the growing number of threats, subpoenas, arrest warrants and even attempts at intimidation and coercion to which he has been subjected demonstrates that the regime has no qualms or limits in trying to silence him and make him submit,” Machado said in a translated post by X. “In the face of this brutal reality, our objective is to defend his freedom, his integrity and his life.”
“I want to make it clear to you all that Edmundo will continue to fight from outside with our diaspora and I will continue to fight here with you,” she added.
The Associated Press contributed.
