The News
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González fled to Spain on Saturday after a warrant was issued for his arrest as part of a political crackdown by President Nicolás Maduro.
González stood against Maduro in the country’s widely contested presidential election in July, which both claimed to have won. However, Maduro, with the backing of the country’s courts and army, was ultimately declared the victor, despite a lack of evidence for the claim. Since then, there have been widespread protests across the country, leading to at least 27 deaths and international condemnation.
SIGNALS
Maduro stamps out remaining dissent
Venezuela has historically used arrest warrants to force opposition figures into exile, The Caracas Chronicles noted: Maduro “could have apprehended [them] at any moment,” but had seemingly refused, perhaps enabling González — and his claim to the presidency — to leave. Meanwhile, Venezuelan security forces surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas, the BBC reported, where several other opposition politicians are sheltering. Opposition leader María Corina Machado — who was banned from running for president — remains in hiding, as one of the last prominent opposition figures still free in Venezuela. But she said on Thursday that it was “harder and riskier” to stay as the political crisis intensifies.
González’ flight ‘a sad day for democracy’
Multiple countries have cast doubt on Maduro’s victory, including the US, several in the European Union, Brazil, and Colombia — all of whom asked for proof that he had won the election. Meanwhile, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea all swiftly announced their support for Maduro’s third term. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said González’s departure was the “direct result” of the anti-democratic actions undertaken by Maduro, while the Spanish authorities described González as a “hero that Spain will not abandon.” However, calls by South American countries for international support have had little effect. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said González’s flight was “a sad day for democracy in Venezuela.”