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Biden Backs González as Venezuela's Leader Amid Maduro's Arrest Threat and Bounty

Jan 6, 2025, 04:33 PM

Venezuela faces heightened tensions ahead of the presidential inauguration scheduled for January 10th, as opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claims victory over incumbent Nicolás Maduro in last year's election. González, who has been in exile due to alleged government persecution, has embarked on an international tour to garner support for his bid to assume the presidency. He has met with leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and plans to meet with Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou and U.S. President Joe Biden. Several countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, have recognized González as the legitimate president-elect. During a meeting at the White House, President Biden affirmed his support, stating, "The people of Venezuela deserve a peaceful transfer of power to the true winner of their presidential election." González also met with Mike Waltz, the incoming National Security Advisor for President-elect Donald Trump, signaling bipartisan U.S. support. Maduro's government has rejected González's claims, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello vowing to arrest González if he returns to Venezuela and placing a $100,000 bounty on his head. The Venezuelan military high command, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, has reaffirmed its loyalty to Maduro, dismissing González's appeals as "ridiculous and contemptible" and labeling him a "criminal" and "coward." Pro-Maduro marches, dubbed the "Toma de Caracas," are planned for January 9th and 10th, with the government deploying over 1,200 security personnel in preparation for Maduro's inauguration for the 2025-2031 term. González has called on the Venezuelan military to uphold the constitution and support his claim to the presidency. The situation has raised concerns about potential confrontations as both sides remain steadfast ahead of the inauguration date.