Argentina does not recognize Maduro’s re-election, as do the United States, the European Union and several Latin American countries; meeting with Milei should be on Saturday morning (4) at Casa Rosada
The Venezuelan opponent, who claims his electoral victory in 2024, arrives this Friday (3) at , for a meeting with the president, at the beginning of a “Latin American trip” before the presidential inauguration, on January 10. Argentina does not recognize Maduro’s reelection, as do the United States, the European Union and several Latin American countries. “Our journey through Latin America begins. First stop: Argentina”, wrote González Urrutia on Thursday (2). The meeting with Milei should take place on Saturday morning (4) at Casa Rosada (government headquarters). The Venezuelan community in Argentina was invited to gather in the central Plaza de Mayo. After the meeting with Milei, González Urrutia will travel to Montevideo to meet with the Uruguayan president, Luis Lacalle Pou, and the chancellor, Omar Paganini. The meeting on Saturday afternoon in the Executive Tower (headquarters of the Presidency), according to government sources, will be a “sign of support” for the Venezuelan opponent’s claims regarding the electoral results in his country.
The diplomatic relationship between Milei and Maduro was already tense, but completely collapsed after the electoral result was not recognized. The Argentine embassy in Caracas – under Brazilian custody – has been housing six of Machado’s collaborators since March, accused of “terrorism”. One of them resigned from asylum on December 20, left the legation and surrendered to authorities. The remaining five are awaiting safe conduct to leave the country.
González’s visit comes as authorities offer a reward of 100 thousand dollars (620 thousand reais at current exchange rates) for information leading to his arrest and amid escalating tension between the countries following the arrest of an Argentine gendarme in Venezuela. González went into exile in Spain in September and promised to return to his country to “take office” in Maduro’s place. On December 20, Spain granted political asylum to González Urrutia, accused by the Venezuelan Public Ministry of “conspiracy” and “criminal association”. He went into exile in Madrid on September 8.
Venezuelan electoral authorities proclaimed Maduro re-elected for a third consecutive six-year term (2025-2031), without disclosing details of the vote count. The opposition denounces fraud and claims the victory of González Urrutia based on electoral records published on the internet. His proclamation sparked protests that left 28 dead and around 200 injured, in addition to 2,400 detained. Three inmates died in prison and nearly 1,400 were released on parole.
*With information from AFP
Published by Sarah Paula
