Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, recognized by the United States as the winner of last year's presidential election, has embarked on a tour of Latin America ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's controversial third term inauguration. González received a warm welcome from a crowd of Venezuelan migrants in Buenos Aires, chanting 'Edmundo, Presidente' as he met with Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada.
González, a retired diplomat, fled to Spain in September following an arrest warrant issued after Maduro's disputed victory in the July 28 election. Despite the risks, González has vowed to return to Venezuela for his inauguration on January 10, challenging Maduro's authority over all state institutions and the military.
In response, Maduro's government offered a $100,000 reward for information on González's whereabouts, intensifying the political tension. González, upon arriving in Argentina, expressed solidarity with Venezuelan political prisoners and raised concerns about Maduro opponents seeking refuge in the Argentine ambassador's residence in Caracas.
The Biden administration and European governments have rejected the election results, citing lack of transparency. Opposition data from 85% of voting machines indicate González won by a significant margin. González, a diplomatic novice, emerged as the opposition leader after María Corina Machado was barred from running.
Following his meeting with Milei, González is set to meet with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, continuing his diplomatic efforts to challenge Maduro's rule and garner international support for the Venezuelan opposition.
