The Spanish government denies having negotiated the opposition candidate’s departure from Venezuela, but will grant him political asylum.
Edmundo González, a diplomat and the winner of the recent presidential elections in Venezuela, has arrived in Spain. His plane landed just before 4:00 PM at the Torrejón de Ardoz military base in Madrid, where he will begin his exile. The Spanish government is expected to grant him political asylum.
The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, confirmed González’s departure from Venezuela and his safe arrival in Spain. González traveled with his wife and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío. He was welcomed by Susana Sumelzo, the Secretary of State for Ibero-America and the Spanish-Speaking World.
Asylum Process to Begin
The necessary procedures for González’s political asylum will now begin, and sources from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have assured that the outcome will be favorable. This decision aligns with Spain’s commitment to protecting the political rights and physical safety of Venezuelans.
González’s journey to Spain included stops at the Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican Republic and the Lajes Airport in the Azores, Portugal, before arriving in Madrid.
“Tired but Well”
José Manuel Albares reported that González is “tired but well” after his arrival. In an interview with RTVE, Albares shared that he had spoken with González during his layover in the Dominican Republic and again upon his arrival in Spain. The minister expressed happiness that the situation had concluded successfully and plans to meet with González once the Venezuelan diplomat has rested.
Albares explained that preparations for this moment had been underway for days but did not disclose when the request for asylum was made. He confirmed that Spain had offered González and fellow opposition leader María Corina Machado support at the Spanish Embassy in Venezuela following the contested presidential elections.
No Political Negotiation
Albares emphasized that no political negotiations took place between Spain and Venezuela. He clarified that the asylum request came directly from Edmundo González and that the Spanish government merely facilitated his safe exit.
However, the Venezuelan Attorney General mentioned there had been contact between the two governments regarding the safe passage granted to González, who is now under Spain’s protection.
Venezuelans Welcome Their Leader in Madrid
As González’s plane landed, a crowd of Venezuelans gathered at the military base in Torrejón to welcome their leader. Among them was Jasleni Pirela, who expressed her happiness at González’s arrival, saying that she was hopeful he would continue his fight for Venezuela from abroad.
Others, like Johanna Gorrín, expressed their support for González, describing him as a deserving figure who has done much for the Venezuelan people.
Political Asylum in Spain
The mounting pressure from the Venezuelan regime forced González to seek refuge. After the Venezuelan government declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the elections despite clear evidence of fraud, González found temporary shelter at the Dutch Embassy in Caracas before making his way to Spain.
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Spanish president, played a crucial role in securing González’s release and exit from Venezuela. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez referred to González as a “hero” and assured that Spain would grant him political asylum.
Conclusion
The arrival of Edmundo González in Spain marks a critical moment in Venezuela’s political crisis. With his safe exit, the opposition leader can now continue advocating for the freedom of Venezuelans while in exile.
