Venezuelan Government Rejects EU Recognition of Opposition Leader

The Venezuelan government has firmly rejected the European Union's recognition of opposition candidate Edmundo González. The National Assembly voted against the EU's parliamentary decision, which had declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the controversial July presidential elections.

Comparisons have been drawn to the EU's previous support for Juan Guaidó. González, under duress, acknowledged his defeat in a letter revealed by Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez.

Relations with Spain have become strained over the incident, with accusations exchanged between the Spanish government and the opposition. The situation has intensified political tensions within Spain, further complicating the already delicate diplomatic relationship with Venezuela.

Both sides deny coercion, but accusations of interference and extortion continue to fuel the crisis.