Mixed reactions as Venezuelan opposition leader Gonzalez flees to Spain: Video

Gonzalez Urrutia, who went into hiding after the contentious July 28 election, arrived in Madrid on September 8.

Luz Renginfo, a housekeeper in Caracas, expressed the deep frustration many feel about the country’s political situation. “Truly, we don’t have hope, we don’t have it. But the only thing I ask of God is that Venezuela becomes what it once was,” she is quoted by AFP.

For Nelson Sosa, a 60-year-old resident, Gonzalez Urrutia’s decision to flee was a wise move. "I think it was the best thing to do because if he stayed, he would have been arrested, so it was better for him to leave," Sosa said.

However, Fanny Perdomo, an accountant living in Caracas, believes the situation could have been avoided. “If Gonzalez Urrutia had acted properly following the declaration of President Nicolas Maduro as the winner of the July 28 elections, he would not have had to ask for political asylum. But since he did not show up the times the government institutions solicited his presence, there must have been a reason,” Perdomo explained.

Gonzalez Urrutia, who has challenged President Maduro’s victory, arrived in Spain at the Torrejon de Ardoz military base with his wife, according to a statement by Spain’s foreign ministry. His departure follows an arrest warrant issued by Venezuelan authorities, accusing him of conspiracy and other charges.

Despite claims by the Venezuelan government, many international powers, including the U.S. and the EU, view the 75-year-old opposition leader as the legitimate winner of the disputed election.