Spain to Overlook Lower House’s Recognition of Venezuelan Opposition, Reports Reuters

By Eduardo Baptista and Inti Landauro

BEIJING/MADRID – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his government will disregard a parliamentary vote recognizing Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of a controversial presidential election.

Gonzalez, who has sought asylum in Spain since Sunday, was acknowledged by a majority of 177 lawmakers from various parties in the 350-seat lower house during a symbolic motion passed on Wednesday, declaring him the winner of the disputed July 28 election, which was officially awarded to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.

Following the election, the Venezuelan opposition claimed that Gonzalez, 75, secured a significant victory. However, the national election board certified Maduro as the victor, dismissing international criticism as part of a right-wing agenda.

Countries such as the U.S., Argentina, and Peru have acknowledged Gonzalez as the president-elect.

During his visit to China, Sanchez reiterated Madrid’s stance, which includes calling for the release of detailed voting results with an EU mediator, while withholding recognition of either Maduro or Gonzalez as the election winner.

"We have requested the publication of the electoral acts and have not recognized Nicolas Maduro’s victory. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of fostering unity within the European Union, enabling a pathway for mediation until the end of the year," he stated to reporters in Kunshan, just hours prior to the lower house’s vote.

On Tuesday evening, Venezuelan exiles rallied outside the Spanish parliament as lawmakers debated the motion proposed by the main opposition People’s Party.

After the vote on Wednesday, several lawmakers applauded in acknowledgment of Venezuelan opposition leaders present in the gallery. Gonzalez has not made a public appearance since his arrival in Spain.

Sanchez expressed his belief that granting asylum is a testament to humanity and reflects a civil commitment from Spanish society and its government to aid those facing persecution and repression.

Antonio Ledezma, a Venezuelan opposition figure residing in Spain, remarked that Gonzalez’s departure would bolster their movement. "Edmundo will be free, unconfined as he was in Venezuela, allowing him to lead the fight for the freedom of Venezuela while representing the diaspora."