Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González published a letter this Monday in which he explains to Venezuelans his decision to settle in Spain and in which he affirms that he made the decision thinking of his family, but also that “things are changing” and a new stage can open in Venezuela.
In his letter, which he shared online just 24 hours after landing in Spain on a Spanish Air Force plane, González wanted to express his gratitude to the Spanish government for welcoming him and providing him “protection at this time”, as well as to the Dutch embassy in Caracas, where he had taken refuge since the July 28 elections.
“I made this decision thinking about Venezuela and the fact that our destiny as a country cannot, must not be one of conflict of pain and suffering,” explained the veteran diplomat who represented the opposition in the elections on behalf of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
“I did it thinking of my family and all Venezuelan families in this time of so much tension and anguish. I did it so that things change and we build a new era for Venezuela,” he added.
González recalled that he has always defended “the democratic values of peace and freedom” and made it clear that his commitment was not based on “personal ambition.” That said, he indicated that his decision “is a gesture that is addressed to everyone” and is convinced that “as such, it will be reciprocal.”
“Only the politics of dialogue can bring us closer together as compatriots. Only democracy and the realization of the popular will can be the path to our future as a country and I will remain committed to that,” said González, who said he was “incompatible with resentment.”
Finally, he did not want to end his letter without thanking those who supported him in Venezuela and abroad and without “claiming the work and efforts of Maria Corina Machado who led this electoral process” as well as “the United Platform for their work and commitment.”
