Venezuela‘s Edmundo González Urrutia Embarks on Latin American Tour, Heads to U.S. to Meet Biden
In a whirlwind tour across Latin America, Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia is set to touch down in the United States this weekend, where he will meet with President Joe Biden. Following a triumphant visit to Argentina’s Casa Rosada, where he received a roaring ovation from supporters gathered in Plaza de Mayo, González Urrutia has been crisscrossing the region to rally international support.
The 75-year-old opposition leader, who claims to have won the presidential election against Nicolás Maduro, began his international tour after a brief exile in Madrid. In a press conference, he confirmed that he would fly to the U.S. on Saturday night after a brief stopover in Uruguay during the day. The tour also includes stops in Panama and the Dominican Republic.
While details of his U.S. agenda are still being finalized, González hinted at meetings with political leaders represented in Congress. He also confirmed a planned conversation with President Biden, expressing hope for "definitions" regarding the new authorities, with the current term set to end on January 20.
González’s visit comes as the political landscape in Venezuela remains tense. The opposition claims to have won the election, presenting more than 80% of voting acts that showed a 2-to-1 advantage for González over Maduro, who was seeking a third term. However, Maduro was proclaimed the winner by the regime’s electoral authority without the release of official results.
The U.S., along with other countries, has recognized González as the legitimate president-elect, questioning Maduro’s victory. In November, the Biden administration, through Secretary of State Antony Blinken, stated that "the Venezuelan people spoke clearly and chose Edmundo González Urrutia as their president."
As González prepares to return to Venezuela on January 10 to assume the presidency, there is significant anticipation surrounding his potential entry into the country. While González has vowed to return "by any means necessary," the Venezuelan police have offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
González’s visit to the U.S. is expected to further highlight the international community’s stance on Venezuela’s political crisis and could potentially influence the Biden administration’s policy towards the South American nation.