Spain offers political asylum to Venezuelan opposition leader

On September 8 local time, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that the Spanish government has decided to offer political asylum to Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González.

Albares confirmed that González has gone to Spain and requested political asylum. According to a message from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is no direct dialogue between the governments of Spain and Venezuela on this matter.

On July 28 this year, Venezuela held a presidential election. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council announced the next day that incumbent president Maduro was re-elected. The opposition questioned the election results and its supporters held street protests. On September 2, the Venezuelan judicial authorities issued an arrest warrant for González, accusing him of multiple charges including usurpation of office, forgery of public documents, and inciting illegal activities. Previously, González entered the Spanish embassy in Venezuela on his own to "take refuge" and asked Spain to provide political asylum.

The Venezuelan government confirmed on the 7th that González has left Venezuela. Venezuelan Vice President Rodríguez posted on social media that González took "refuge" at the Spanish embassy in Venezuela a few days ago and then asked the Spanish government to provide him with "political asylum." The Venezuelan government has provided him with a travel permit to ensure national political peace and stability.

This incident has attracted international attention. Spain's decision may have a certain impact on the situation in Venezuela and its relations with Spain. The subsequent development trend remains to be further observed and reported.