Venezuelan opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez, during a rally for the freedom of VenezuelaSource: AFP
Edmundo González, the Venezuelan opposition candidate, made a public appearance at a rally in Madrid, Spain, as he continues to seek asylum following weeks in hiding after a disputed election against President Nicolas Maduro.
González, a retired diplomat, fled Venezuela after the contested results left him vulnerable to arrest under Maduro's regime.
Attendees expressed their hope for Venezuela’s future. Laura Bravo, a 49-year-old engineer, shared her optimism saying, "This has been very emotional for us because this is what we want for Venezuela – a new president to help us escape Maduro's dictatorship. We want a democratic regime that allows all Venezuelans, including those in exile, to return home with opportunities."
Marisa Robles, a teacher originally from La Victoria, the same town as González, expressed her surprise and joy at seeing him in Spain. "It was such a wonderful surprise. I'm really pleased to be here and support someone from my hometown," she told the AFP.
Meanwhile, small groups of protesters gathered in Venezuela, marking two months since the disputed election, with solidarity rallies taking place abroad, including in Spain.
The opposition continues to contest Maduro’s victory, which they argue was achieved through electoral manipulation, while international observers also remain skeptical of the result.