The presidential candidate of the Unitary Democratic Platform (PUD), Edmundo González Urrutia, completes two months of exile in Spain this Friday, November 8, where he has been recognized by a multitude of countries and international organizations, but he also dedicates time to keeping alive the hope for a possible political transition after the presidential elections of July 28 with messages directed to Venezuelans through social networks.
After arriving in Madrid on September 8, the opposition leader directly addressed, among others, seven key letters to preserve the fervent desire of a part of the Venezuelan population that, inside and outside the country, demands a radical change in the system. political.
“I will never betray them”
The PUD standard bearer arrived in the Spanish capital revealing to Venezuelans that his decision to go into exile was made “thinking of Venezuela” and that destiny “as a country cannot, should not be, that of a conflict of pain and suffering.” , he stated in a statement published on his social network accounts X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram on September 9.
The former diplomat guaranteed that he carried out his departure so that “things change and we build a new stage for Venezuela. Only democracy can be the path for our future as a country and I will remain committed to that.”
“As president-elect of millions and millions of Venezuelans who voted for change, democracy and freedom, they are not going to silence me, I will never betray them. This is known to each and every person I have spoken to. They are not going to silence a country that has already spoken, millions of Venezuelans want freedom of exchange and I am going to comply with that mandate,” he stated on September 18.
EDemand respect for the popular will
On September 28, González Urrutia attended the demonstration of the Venezuelan diaspora in Puerta del Sol, in the city of Madrid, two months before the presidential elections. There, he assured that the Venezuelan people issued “a sovereign, clear and unappealable mandate, in favor of change, peace, freedom and democracy. A mandate that must be recognized.”
He urged Venezuelans to observe that “the whole world” is with them and that they will continue to move forward, with “the favor of God.”
He ended his message saying: “Long live free Venezuela” and “Glory to the brave people.”
On October 3, the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition used social networks to denounce the situation of minors detained in the country after the elections. Regarding these cases, he stated that “a crime is to torture, kidnap, persecute, that is a crime” and that “the world knows” that.
“Tortured boys and girls, refusing to bow down, having conviction, wanting a future, wanting to work to recover democracy, facing repression with courage is not a crime,” he said.
Solidarity with families of detainees
He sent a hug of solidarity to the fathers, mothers and representatives who “today suffer the kidnapping of their children” and guaranteed that they will be supported “during this transition” since “justice will come.”
To political prisoners: “I will not stop until they are released”
On October 19, González Urrutia gave a hug of solidarity to “all political prisoners and family members,” ensuring that all of them are “subjected to the harshest rights violations of our times.”
“My voice is their voice in all the spaces in which they receive us. “The world knows what they are experiencing and I will not stop until they are released,” he said.
Three months before the presidential elections, the former diplomat uploaded a publication on his social media accounts accompanied by several photographs, including one of Venezuelans at a rally for his presidential campaign with lit lanterns. He described this image as “millions of lights that, on July 28, were transformed into millions of votes demanding change.”
He took advantage and sent a commemorative message, explaining that “three months after this civic gesture, our commitment remains intact.”
He also assured that the government of Nicolás Maduro carries out “persecutions, torture, arbitrary arrests, detained children, sick people in prisons and imprisoned pregnant women”, evidence that the “regime will never be able to demonstrate.”
The PUD standard bearer assured all Venezuelans that “the fight for change continues firmly” and that Venezuelans are building “the route of change” so, “there is no turning back.”
Strong message
However, the most forceful message from the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition during his first two months in exile in Spain was delivered at a press conference on October 4, at the La Toja Forum, in Galicia.
There he assured that he will fulfill the purpose of returning to the country on January 10, to be sworn in as the “elected president” of Venezuela, something that clashes with the guidelines of the Maduro government, who assured that he will also be sworn in as “ “mandatory” of all Venezuelans.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) ratified the victory of Nicolás Maduro with 6,408,844 votes, which translates into 51.95% of the electoral total, while González Urrutia had 5,326,104, which represents 43.18%. . The Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) validated the results and asked to investigate the opposition for publishing alleged false results through a website called “Results with Venezuela.”
The PUD called the elections electoral fraud, stating that it has “83.5% of the minutes” that show the former ambassador as the winner with 7,303,480 votes, which represents 67%, while the official leader obtained 3,316,142 , with a percentage of 30% of the votes. As a result of this, part of the international community does not recognize the official candidate as “president-elect” but does recognize the opposition candidate.
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**Interview with Edmundo González Urrutia, Presidential Candidate of the Unitary Democratic Platform (PUD)**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. González Urrutia. It’s been two months since you went into exile in Spain. How has this experience shaped your views on the future of Venezuela?
**González Urrutia**: Thank you for having me. My exile was not a decision made lightly; it was for the sake of Venezuela and our struggle for democracy. I’ve witnessed the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people, both domestically and abroad. This has only strengthened my commitment to advocating for a political transition in our country.
**Editor**: You’ve reached out to the Venezuelan diaspora through several key messages. What do you hope to achieve by engaging with Venezuelans in this way?
**González Urrutia**: Engaging with my fellow Venezuelans is crucial. I want to remind them that their voices matter and that together we can forge a path toward a better future. My messages are meant to uphold hope and to ensure that the desire for change remains alive. We have a sovereign mandate for democracy, and it is essential that everyone knows their demand for freedom will not go unnoticed.
**Editor**: You’ve highlighted grave concerns regarding political prisoners and human rights violations in Venezuela. How do you plan to continue advocating for them from abroad?
**González Urrutia**: I will not cease to be the voice for those who are silenced. Through global platforms—be it social media, international organizations, or rallies—I will stand in solidarity with political prisoners and their families. Justice must come, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that their plight is known worldwide. It’s not just a political issue; it’s a moral imperative.
**Editor**: In your opinion, what role do international organizations and allied nations play in supporting Venezuela’s transition to democracy?
**González Urrutia**: International solidarity is vital. Countries and organizations that recognize our struggle amplify our voices and put pressure on the Maduro regime. Their support can provide the necessary resources for a peaceful transition and bring attention to human rights abuses happening back home.
**Editor**: as you approach the presidential elections on July 28, what is your message to fellow Venezuelans who wish for change?
**González Urrutia**: My message is one of hope and resilience. The fight for change continues firmly. I urge every Venezuelan to remain steadfast in our quest for democracy. Remember, each of you plays a crucial role in this movement. Together, we can reclaim our country—long live free Venezuela, and glory to the brave people!
**Editor**: Thank you, Mr. González Urrutia, for sharing your insights with us. We wish you and all of Venezuela the best in the upcoming journey ahead.
**González Urrutia**: Thank you for having me. The struggle continues, and I appreciate your support.
