Fri Jan 03 17:05:23 UTC 2025: ## Venezuelan Opposition Leader Offered $100,000 Reward as He Plans International Tour
**CARACAS, Venezuela – January 3, 2025** – The Venezuelan government has announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of opposition leader Edmundo González, who claims victory in last year’s presidential election. The announcement comes just eight days before the start of the next presidential term.
González, a former ambassador, fled to Spain in September after a warrant was issued for his arrest following the July 28th election, which the government declared Nicolás Maduro won. However, the opposition, using tally sheets from 80% of electronic voting machines, claims González secured twice as many votes. The lack of transparency in the official election results sparked international condemnation.
Despite a court-ordered audit reaffirming Maduro’s victory, González maintains his claim and plans an international tour beginning with a visit to Argentina this Saturday to meet with President Javier Milei. He has stated his intention to return to Venezuela by January 10th, the date of Maduro’s planned swearing-in ceremony, but has not detailed his plans for doing so.
González’s campaign alleges that he was coerced into signing a letter conceding defeat before leaving Venezuela. Argentina, a strong supporter of Venezuela’s opposition, has already offered refuge to five opposition members at its Caracas embassy since March. The situation remains highly volatile as the political standoff continues.
First Piper 