Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia He stated this Monday that he is “morally prepared” to face his possible arrest if he returns to Caracas on January 10 to assume the presidency of Venezuela.
In an interview with EFEreiterated his intention to take office, supported by the 7.3 million votes which he obtained in the elections of July 28, compared to the 3 million attributed to the current dictator, Nicolas Maduro.
“What I don’t have is a ticket yet, but my plan is to be there”, he stressed.
According to the standard-bearer of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), it would be advisable for the country for Maduro to leave power, since his permanence affects “the health of all Venezuelans.” Despite this, he defends a peaceful transition in which Chavismo has a place in the political future of the country.
“Chavismo is a political force that will remain in the country. There will be a transition where the popular bases can have a space”, he noted.
González Urrutia also insisted that Maduro’s mandate has already ended, opening the possibility of him remaining in Venezuela as another citizen.
Regarding the arrest warrants against him and Maria Corina Machadothe opposition leader described these actions as signs of “weakness” of the Maduro regime.
Furthermore, he expressed his confidence in the citizen mobilization called by Machado for December 1, both inside and outside Venezuela, although he warned about a possible climate of violence generated by Chavismo.
“Mass mobilization is crucial for the transition. However, in the country there is a climate of provocation and potential violence on the part of the regime.”, he stated.
If he assumes the presidency, González Urrutia will prioritize the release of more than 2,000 political prisoners what he estimates there is in the country and will work on “the reunion of Venezuelans.”
“That is going to be my fundamental task: the reconciliation of the country”, he assured.
To achieve this, it relies on prior negotiations that allow for orderly transitionopening spaces for all political forces, including the Chavistas, in a process that promotes the political, economic and social recovery of the country.
“There will be prior negotiations that will allow, God willing, an orderly transition. There could be coexistence within Venezuelan soil,” he said.
“Theoretically, we are the majority, of course, but what we We want to turn the page and open a space for the recovery of Venezuelarecovery in the broadest sense: Politically, economically and socially speaking,” he added.
“The Venezuelan Constitution only allows one president. “I am the one who will take office on January 10,” said González Urrutia, when asked about Maduro’s future.
The opposition leader thanked the support of governments and international organizations, including the award Sajarov granted by the European Union to him and Machado.
He also highlighted the recognition of USA as president-elect and the efforts of his Latin American neighbors to facilitate the transition.
Regarding the military leadership, González Urrutia considers that the high command supports the stability of the regime, but points out that “the midpoints and bases reflect the problems of Venezuelan society, such as inflation and health deficiencies.”
Despite the possible risks, González Urrutia assured that he did not fear for his safety or that of his family in Caracas, thanks to an agreement prior to exile.
“When I negotiated my departure to Spain there was an agreement with some guarantees. One of them is not to intervene with my family.”, he concluded.
(With information from EFE)
