Venezuela's government has doubled down on its threat to arrest opposition leader Edmundo González, who claims victory in last year's presidential election. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly, led by Jorge Rodríguez, has stated it will order González's immediate arrest should he enter Venezuelan territory.
This hardened stance follows the government's recent offer of a $100,000 reward for information leading to González's apprehension. The threat comes just days before the start of Venezuela's next presidential term. González, who fled to Spain in September after an arrest warrant was issued, has vowed to return to Venezuela to assume the presidency.
González's planned return, however, faces significant obstacles. The Venezuelan government controls all key institutions and the military. Rodriguez stated that any attempt by González to enter the country would result in immediate arrest. The opposition leader has yet to specify his plans for challenging President Maduro's authority.
In recent days, González has traveled through Argentina and Uruguay, and has announced plans to visit the United States and other nations in the Americas. His goal is reportedly to garner support and potentially meet with U.S. President Biden.
Meanwhile, President Nicolás Maduro has already been formally invited to begin his third term by the National Assembly. This invitation came more than five months after Venezuela's National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the July election, a result widely disputed.
The election results lack transparency, with the opposition presenting tally sheets from over 80% of electronic voting machines that show González won with a significant margin. The lack of transparency and international criticism has led to an audit request from Maduro, which was ultimately approved by a government-controlled high court.
This dispute highlights the stark divide between the opposition and the government. The U.S. and many European countries have rejected the election results, considering González the legitimate winner. Furthermore, the National Assembly has cited a recently approved measure allowing prosecution of those supporting sanctions against Venezuela as a justification for González's potential arrest.