Venezuela's government is intensifying efforts to apprehend opposition leader Edmundo González, who claims to have defeated President Nicolás Maduro in last year's contentious election. On Sunday, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez declared the immediate arrest of González if he sets foot in the country. This announcement comes as Maduro prepares to start a new term, following an election that many international observers, including the US and European governments, have disputed as fraudulent.
González has been in exile in Spain since September, after a warrant was issued related to an election investigation. He announced plans to return to Venezuela by January 10 to assume the presidency but did not disclose how he plans to overcome Maduro's institutional and military control. Rodríguez emphasized that any gesture to return would result in detainment, linking it to a new measure targeting those supporting US sanctions against Venezuela.
Despite the election controversy, Maduro is slated for inauguration this Friday after being declared the winner by the National Electoral Council. The opposition, bolstered by polling data from electronic machines, insists that González garnered significantly more votes. Global criticism of the election's transparency led Maduro to request a high court audit, which confirmed his victory. González, meanwhile, continues a diplomatic tour, seeking international support, including potential talks with US President Joe Biden. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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