Madrid, Sep 12 (EFE).- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González on Thursday, assuring him that Spain remains committed to supporting democracy, dialogue, and the fundamental rights of the Venezuelan people.
Sánchez welcomed the Venezuelan presidential candidate, who has sought asylum in Spain following the election crisis in Venezuela, at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid.
“I warmly welcome Edmundo Gonzalez to our country, whom we embrace as a gesture of Spain’s humanitarian commitment and solidarity with the Venezuelan people,” Sanchez said on X, formerly Twitter.
“Spain will continue to support democracy, dialogue, and the fundamental rights of the brotherly people of Venezuela.”
The meeting occurred a day after the Spanish Congress, at the request of the conservative opposition, called on the government to acknowledge González as the winner of Venezuela’s recent election.
In response, Jorge Rodríguez, the pro-government president of Venezuela’s Parliament, called on the Venezuelan government to «immediately sever all relations» with Spain.
Gonzalez arrived in Madrid on Sunday aboard a Spanish Air Force plane after spending several days at the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Caracas.
According to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Spain facilitated González’s departure from Venezuela without adhering to conditions set by Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
However, the Spanish government does not currently plan to recognize González’s victory in the Jul. 28 election, aligning with the broader stance of European Union partners, who are demanding access to the election’s official records.
In a statement on X, González expressed his «deep gratitude» to the Spanish government for hosting him. EFE
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