Edmundo González Urrutia, a 76‑year‑old former diplomat who is acknowledged by several nations as the victor of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, announced on Saturday that Venezuela must schedule fresh presidential elections and voiced his support for Nobel Peace laureate and opposition leader María Corina Machado.
What did Gonzalez say?
In a video circulated on social media, González expressed solidarity with fellow opposition leader Machado, emphasizing the need for new elections.
Machado praised González on Saturday, calling him an exemplar of service and dedication to the nation.
“The free and prosperous Venezuela that is already emerging bears your name etched on its heart, my dear Edmundo,” Machado wrote on the social‑media platform X.
What is Venezuela’s current political predicament?
Maduro has been succeeded by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who appears more willing to meet Washington’s demands, including expanded U.S. access to Venezuela’s extensive oil resources. U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed Rodríguez’s cooperation thus far and has not pursued further measures to replace her leadership.
Is Venezuelan oil United States’ main interest?
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González, a 76‑year‑old former diplomat residing in Spain, contested Maduro in the 2024 presidential election.
Machado was barred from participating in the 2024 race.
Maduro’s government issued an arrest warrant against González on charges of criminal association and conspiracy related to the disputed election; Machado is also wanted by Venezuelan authorities.
Although official results declared Maduro the winner, independent observers such as the Carter Center and Freedom House reported that the election lacked credibility and was marred by irregularities.
Several countries, including the United States, recognized González as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election.