Opposition Leader Urges Military Backing in Venezuela

Venezuela Political Rally

News Summary

Edmundo González Urrutia, the exiled Venezuelan opposition leader, calls for military support ahead of President Nicolás Maduro’s upcoming inauguration. González claims he was the rightful winner of a disputed election, citing electoral discrepancies. As tensions escalate, protests are planned before Maduro’s swearing-in, while González seeks international backing but remains at risk due to his exile. The political landscape in Venezuela remains fraught with uncertainty as the opposition prepares to confront Maduro’s regime.

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Calls for Military Support Ahead of Inauguration

In a dramatic turn of events, **_Edmundo González Urrutia_**, the exiled opposition leader of Venezuela, has made a bold move by urging the military to recognize him as their commander-in-chief. This call comes as President **_Nicolás Maduro_** is poised to be sworn in for his third term on January 10, amid growing tensions and skepticism about the legitimacy of the upcoming inauguration.

Confronting Maduro’s Leadership

In a recent video message shared on social media, González made it clear that he intends to challenge Maduro’s presidency, **_claiming he was the true winner of a controversial election held last July_**. He believes, based on his own findings, that he received more votes than Maduro, who has faced allegations of manipulating electoral outcomes. These claims have been echoed by many political analysts and were supported by the **_U.S.-based Carter Center_**, which has pointed out discrepancies in the electoral process.

Heightened Tensions Ahead of Protests

The political atmosphere in Venezuela is tense, with the opposition planning a series of street protests just one day before Maduro’s inauguration. Supporters of González are rallying together, showing their commitment by traveling from various parts of Venezuela to demonstrate against the current regime. In response, Maduro’s internal affairs minister has reported that over 100 individuals have been detained under allegations of attempting to destabilize the government, yet no substantial evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.

As tensions rise, diplomatic relationships are also strained; Venezuela recently cut ties with Paraguay after its president publicly recognized González as the rightful winner. This highlights how contentious the political situation has become, not just at home but also on the international stage.

International Support and Visits

González is currently on a whirlwind tour, traveling through various countries to garner support from regional leaders against Maduro. Over the weekend, he met with leaders from **_Argentina_** and **_Uruguay_**, aiming to unite forces to challenge Maduro’s rule. Recently, González also paid a visit to the United States, where he had a meaningful meeting with President **_Joe Biden_**. Together, they discussed the critical need for a peaceful democratic transition and respecting the will of the Venezuelan electorate, a vital thing some feel is lost under Maduro’s administration.

The Risks of Return for González

Despite these efforts, González remains in exile in Spain, having fled the country last September due to an arrest warrant issued against him. His government has threatened to arrest him if he returns to Venezuela. It is believed that Maduro’s regime even put a **_$100,000 reward_** on González’s head for information leading to his capture, reflecting the dangerous environment for opposition figures in the country.

Maduro’s Control Over Institutions

While González builds international support, he faces significant challenges at home. Maduro’s government maintains strict control over the military and all state institutions, making any attempt to return and assume power complicated and risky. With the electoral council declaring Maduro the winner without providing detailed vote counts, many Venezuelans and international observers are left questioning the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

The coming days will be crucial for Venezuela, as the opposition prepares for a significant protest on January 9. With fears of government crackdowns looming, how this situation unfolds remains to be seen, but it is clear that the struggle for democracy in Venezuela is far from over.