Spanish PM meets Venezuelan opposition leader Gonz\u00e1lez after exile

Edmundo González, Venezuela's opposition presidential candidate, met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid four days after fleeing to Spain under a negotiated deal with Nicolás Maduro's government. His escape followed weeks of seeking refuge in embassies in Caracas, marking a significant setback for his supporters who viewed him as the legitimate election winner. The meeting took place in the Moncloa Palace gardens, where Sánchez expressed Spain's humanitarian commitment to Venezuelans. The Spanish Parliament recently passed a proposal urging the recognition of González as Venezuela's elected president, although this motion is non-binding. Spain aligns with the European Union's demand for transparency in the election results before recognizing any winner. The European Parliament is set to discuss the election outcomes, further complicating the situation. González's arrival has heightened tensions between Spain and Venezuela, prompting Venezuelan officials to call for a complete rupture of diplomatic and commercial relations with Spain. Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, demanded the expulsion of Spanish government representatives and the cessation of Spanish business activities in Venezuela. González's flight into exile adds to the growing list of Venezuelan opposition figures who have sought asylum abroad amid a crackdown on dissent. His situation reflects the broader struggle of Venezuelan opposition leaders against Maduro's regime, as many have faced imprisonment or threats for their political activities.