Venezuela's Opposition leader Edmundo González seeks military help to become next president

In his first remarks after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the country’s prominent opposition leader Edmundo González sought the Venezuelan military’s support to become the new president of the Latin American nation. The remarks from González came a day after US forces conducted lethal strikes in Caracas and captured the Venezuelan president and his wife.

“The events of the last few days have marked an inflexion point in the recent history of Venezuela,” González said in a video message on Sunday. “This moment marks an important step, but it is not enough,” he added.

The video of his address was shared on all his social media platforms. It is pertinent to note that after Maduro was captured, the Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodriguez as the interim President of the country. While in ideal circumstances, Rodriguez is obligated to conduct elections in the country within 30 days, as enshrined in the Constitution of Venezuela, things look different in this regard.

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González was seen as the winner of the 2024 presidential elections, which many accused Maduro of stealing. “Today, the one who usurped power is no longer in power and is facing justice,” he said. “This fact creates a new political scenario, but does not substitute the fundamental work we have ahead.”

He insisted that the Venezuelan military should uphold the mandate given during the July 2024 election. González also reminded Venezuelans that their loyalty is to the constitution and the republic. “Venezuela needs truth, justice and reconciliation, without impunity,” he said.

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Trump thinks otherwise

Meanwhile, Trump has a different outlook towards the elections in the country. While speaking to the reporters on board Air Force One, heading to Washington DC from Florida, Trump said that elections in Venezuela should only take place after the country is stabilised following the capture of Maduro.

“We should run the country with law and order. We should run the country where we can take advantage of the economics of what they have, which is valuable oil and valuable other things,” he told The New York Post on board Air Force One.

When asked about Venezuelan opposition leader Marina Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October, Trump reiterated his belief that she does not have the popular support needed to run the country. “She could only win an election if I did support her. But I like her very much,” he added.

Trump insisted that the Nobel laureate does not have the “respect” of the country to govern following Maduro’s ousting. Soon after Maduro’s capture, Machado celebrated the operation and capture in a statement, calling it the “hour of freedom.”

“As of today, Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against the Venezuelan people and against citizens of many other nations. In light of his refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the Government of the United States has fulfilled its promise to uphold the rule of law,” she said in a statement.

Trump told reporters that he had not been in contact with Machado and noted that he doesn’t believe she can assume the leadership role in Venezuela. “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect,” Trump said. Hence, Venezuela continues to remain in a power vacuum.