Edmundo González Urrutia, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, is traveling to Argentina from his exile in Madrid. This information was confirmed on January 3, 2025, by a presidential source. González is expected to arrive in Buenos Aires today.
González Urrutia, who claims victory over President Nicolás Maduro in the July 28 elections, has announced his intention to return to Venezuela to assume the presidency on January 10, 2025. He fled to Spain in September, citing political and judicial persecution.
In a related development, Venezuelan authorities have offered a reward of $100,000 for information regarding González's whereabouts. This announcement was made via Instagram by the Venezuelan police, which initially set the reward at $500,000 before reducing it shortly after publication. Comments on the post were disabled soon after it was shared.
The police statement accused González of various crimes, including complicity in violent acts against the state and usurpation of functions. Despite the police's actions, no government officials have publicly commented on the matter.
González has reiterated his commitment to return to Venezuela, urging citizens to uphold the electoral mandate he believes he received. Meanwhile, Maduro, who has the backing of state institutions, plans to be sworn in for another term on January 10.