Maduro's opponent in the recent presidential elections in Venezuela had to leave the country

Gonzalez arrived in Spain with his wife on Sunday and was officially banned from the country. His departure from Venezuela was part of an agreement with Maduro's government after an arrest warrant was issued against Gonzalez last week. The diplomat and recent presidential candidate has been accused of several crimes, including conspiracy and forgery, among others, according to the Related Press.

Gonzalez is considered the legitimate winner of Venezuela's presidential election in July. His opposition party has reportedly presented evidence of voter counts in the country showing Gonzalez as the winner. However, Maduro, the country's current president, claimed victory and refused to relinquish power. The country's National Electoral Council, believed to be allied with Maduro, declared him the winner in July but could not provide any evidence of his victory.

After arriving in Spain, Gonzalez released a statement to his supporters encouraging them not to give up. Related Press reported. He explained that he was forced to leave the country.

“My departure from Caracas was accompanied by pressure, coercion and threats,” said Gonzalez. “I trust that we will soon continue our fight for our freedom and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.”

Maria Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's opposition party who was also dismissed by Maduro's government, cited dangerous conditions and threats to Gonzalez's life as reasons for his departure for Spain.

“His life was in danger and the increasing threats, summons, arrest warrants and even attempts at blackmail and coercion to which he was subjected show that the regime has no scruples,” Machado said in a post on X. “One thing is clear to everyone: Edmundo will fight from the outside, alongside our diaspora.”

Despite Machado's message, many of Maduro's opponents, who had hoped he would be removed from power after the supposedly lost election, felt defeated after the news of Gonzalez's exile. Related Press reported. After weeks of protests with no results other than statements from international governments condemning the election, many see Gonzalez's resignation as a defeat.

“The little hope we had left went with him,” said one of his supporters in a statement to the Related press.