Edmundo González at the La Toja Forum: “I request more than ever the support of this free and plural Spain”

In his speech during the La Toja 2024 Forum, the opposition leader Edmundo González made another call to the international community, especially Spain and Europe, to redouble their support for democracy in Venezuela and contribute to overcoming the crisis that affects the country.

González, who left Venezuela on September 7, reiterated during his speech that his stay outside the country is only temporary and thanked Spain once again for the welcome and for allowing him to express himself without ties.

He took advantage of his intervention to request the support of Spain and Europe in the defense of Venezuelan democracy and asked that international efforts not be diverted to achieve the freedom of Venezuela.

“More than ever, I request the support of this free and plural Spain so that, together with the international community, they contribute to the assertion of popular sovereignty in Venezuela,” said the standard-bearer of the Democratic Unitary Platform.

He stressed the need for Spain, as a nation that has undergone its own democratic transition, to continue to be a key actor in international pressure to respect the popular will expressed at the polls on July 28 in Venezuela.

He recognized the historical importance of the ties between both countries, recalling that Venezuela also welcomed many Spanish exiles during the Civil War and the Franco dictatorship, who contributed significantly to the cultural and economic development of the South American country.

Edmundo González denounces repression and censorship in Venezuela

The opposition leader noted that Nicolás Maduro’s government resorts to blackmail and intimidation for social controlwhich has led Venezuelans to maintain an attitude that is only apparently indifferent to what is happening.

He highlighted the serious situation that his nation is going through due to political persecution, repression and communication censorship imposed by Maduro.

He denounced the existence of a “communication curfew” that seriously restricts access to information in Venezuela. Despite this, he valued the possibilities that social networks and digital platforms offer so that the news can surpass the iron controls of the regime.

To rebuild a country, González aims to recover the institutionality and the value of dialogue and coexistenceas well as reestablish diplomatic and commercial relations that can reactivate the Venezuelan economy and normalize its international exchanges in full confidence.

“What we long for is to leave behind improvisation, intolerance and persecution,” said González, reaffirming his commitment to working to restore democracy in Venezuela and political coexistence in his country.

“We must leave behind personalism and improvisation, as well as intolerance and open persecution,” he added.

The La Toja Forum, which brings together political leaders, businessmen and international personalities, was the scene of this energetic speech that seeks to consolidate alliances and generate greater international visibility about the crisis that Venezuela is experiencing.