BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, recently acknowledged by the United States as the victor of last year's presidential election, has launched an international tour, starting in Argentina, just days ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's impending swearing-in for a third term. This follows international condemnation and challenges to the legitimacy of the electoral process.

A gathering of a few hundred Venezuelan migrants in Buenos Aires erupted in cheers of "Edmundo, Presidente" as González stepped onto the balcony of the historical Casa Rosada after meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. Milei, a fervent supporter of the Venezuelan opposition, declared, "We are doing whatever the cause of freedom requires," as he honored González with a reception typically reserved for heads of state.

González, who previously served as Venezuela's ambassador to Argentina, was forced into exile in Spain last September following an arrest warrant related to the disputed election on July 28, where Maduro's regime proclaimed victory through a National Electoral Council stacked with regime loyalists. Despite this challenge, González is adamant about his intentions of traveling back to Venezuela to assume his presidential role, which legally commences on January 10. However, he has not clarified how he intends to confront Maduro's entrenched power, which controls the military and all governmental branches.

The stakes have been heightened after Maduro's administration announced a $100,000 reward for information regarding González's whereabouts, distributing a wanted bulletin featuring his image across social media and public venues, including airports.

Upon arriving in Buenos Aires, González used his platform to advocate for Venezuelans imprisoned under Maduro's oppressive regime, promising to address the welfare of five Maduro opponents who have been seeking refuge in the Argentine ambassador’s residence in Caracas for nearly ten months. Relations between Venezuela and Argentina have further soured with accusations and diplomatic tensions following the election's fallout.

The Biden administration, alongside numerous European governments, has dismissed the official election results, indicating a lack of transparency, while opposition documents suggest that González achieved a convincing victory, outperforming Maduro by a margin exceeding two-to-one.

Looking ahead, González's tour will include discussions with leaders in Uruguay and further aspirations to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington. As he continues his journey, the international community watches closely for developments in this ongoing political turmoil.