Venezuelan Opposition Leader Seeks Biden’s Support in Ousting Maduro

In a significant move within the fragile political landscape of Venezuela, opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday. This high-profile meeting aimed to galvanize support against President Nicolás Maduro, whom González has claimed to have triumphed over in last year’s disputed presidential election.

A Call for Democratic Transition

The meeting held at the White House occurred just days before the official start of the next presidential term in Venezuela, set for Friday. González, who represented Venezuela’s principal opposition coalition during the July 2022 elections, engaged in discussions centered around pressing for a transition of power.

Following the meeting, González expressed his optimism, stating, “We had a long, fruitful, and cordial conversation with President Biden and his team… We expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its steadfast support in our fight to restore democracy in Venezuela.” He stressed the commitment of his coalition to uphold democratic values until the end of the current U.S. administration.

The White House subsequently released a statement highlighting shared objectives of restoring democratic order in Venezuela. “President Biden applauded the courage of millions of Venezuelans who cast their votes for democratic change in the flawed July 28 election,” the statement noted, reaffirming that González’s victory should be recognized through a peaceful transition to genuine democratic governance.

International Reactions and Support

The situation in Venezuela has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders. The White House reiterated its commitment to support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people and pledged to hold Maduro and his associates accountable for their anti-democratic actions.

Throughout his diplomatic endeavors, González has sought the backing of regional and international allies. Leading up to the White House meeting, he visited other South American nations, such as Uruguay and Argentina, aiming to solidify a united front against Maduro’s administration. His campaign has effectively engaged Venezuelan expatriates, mobilizing them to express their opposition at gatherings outside the offices of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Controversial Election Circumstances

Controversy continues to swirl around the July 28 elections, which Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the victor. Critics argue the CNE is heavily biased toward the Maduro regime. As such, detailed vote counts that would assure transparency have not been released by election officials.

In a bid to expose electoral manipulation, opposition forces procured tally sheets from over 80% of the electronic voting machines and publicly shared them online. Independent observers, including representatives from the Carter Center, have confirmed the authenticity of these tally sheets, which signify that González won the election by a substantial margin.

As a result of this broader consensus, the official election results have been dismissed by the majority of European governments, alongside the United States, who recognize González as the legitimate victor.

Threats and Escalating Tensions

Despite mounting international support, the Maduro government has resorted to intimidation tactics against González. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelan Interior Minister and a prominent ally of Maduro, publicly mocked González, labeling him as a coward while issuing stark warnings of arrest. Cabello baselessly accused González of being a CIA operative, suggesting severe repercussions if he returns to Venezuela.

“The moment Mr. González Urrutia sets foot in Venezuela, he will be arrested,” Cabello claimed, illustrating the precarious position of opposition leaders within the country.

The threats escalated in September when a Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for González in response to his dissemination of election tally sheets. This prompted him to flee to Spain, where he has continued his efforts to build an international coalition aimed at displacing Maduro. The Venezuelan government has since offered a reward of 0,000 for information leading to González’s capture.

Continued Advocacy and the Path Forward

Despite the dangers facing him, González remains undeterred in his international advocacy against the Maduro regime. In a recent update, he revealed that discussions are ongoing with members of President-elect Trump’s team, further emphasizing the importance of a broad coalition against Maduro.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has signaled its resolve to increase pressure on Maduro’s government through sanctions aimed at his allies and urging global partners to sever ties with the Venezuelan regime. This collective resistance showcases a growing international focus on the escalating political crisis in Venezuela.

Future Implications

As the countdown to the contentious inauguration on Friday continues, the international community remains watchful. The outcome of this unfolding political drama in Venezuela will not only determine the fate of its leadership but also set a precedent for democratic processes in other nations grappling with similar challenges.

Moving forward, the efforts of González and the collective resolve of the international community could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Venezuelan democracy.

— *The Associated Press contributed to this report.*