Even while President Nicolas Maduro declared victory in the referendum held in July, the majority of Western governments have not accepted the outcome, and some, along with the opposition in Venezuela, believe that Mr. Gonzalez is the rightful winner.
Delcy Rodríguez, the vice president of Venezuela, stated that Mr. Gonzalez, 75, left the country after receiving asylum in Spain.
She said that in order to support the restoration of “the country’s political peace and tranquillity,” the administration had chosen to allow him safe exit even though it had earlier this week ordered his arrest.
The center-left government of Spain claimed that Mr. Gonzalez made the decision to leave Venezuela on his own, and he left aboard a plane provided by the nation’s air.
According to a statement from Spain’s foreign ministry, the politician and his spouse arrived safely at the military post Torrejon de Ardoz, northeast of Madrid, on Sunday afternoon.
It further stated that due to Spain’s commitment to the political rights and physical integrity of all Venezuelans, including political leaders, the asylum request procedure will start and that the outcome will be favorable.
