In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Venezuela's opposition and the ruling regime, Edmundo González, who claims to have won the presidential election last July, is set to visit the White House on Monday. This visit comes just days before Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to swear in for a controversial third term on Friday, amidst increasing skepticism over the legitimacy of the election results.

On January 10, when Maduro officially begins his new term, he will do so despite widespread accusations of election fraud and a lack of transparency in the electoral process. Following the national assembly’s invitation to Maduro, González, currently in exile in Spain, has made it clear that he does not recognize the regime and has vowed to return to Venezuela, although he faces the risk of arrest upon his arrival.

The Venezuelan National Assembly's leader, Jorge Rodriguez, has issued a stark warning, stating that immediate arrest orders will be placed for González should he return to the country, reflecting the regime's increasing crackdown on dissent. This comes alongside a $100,000 reward for information leading to the opposition leader's whereabouts, as his return could further exacerbate tensions in the nation.

In the lead-up to this critical inauguration, there is great uncertainty surrounding public responses. While Maduro has announced plans for demonstrations to showcase his support, many citizens remain disillusioned and fearful of repression, as evidenced by the arrest of more than 2,000 individuals following unrest from previous elections. González, who claims to have secured double the votes of Maduro, has called for international support and protests against what he deems an illegitimate government.

With U.S. officials refusing to validate the current governmental legitimacy, many Venezuelans are looking toward international allies for support. González's tour, which began in Argentina and Uruguay, aims to rally backing from global leaders to strengthen his challenge to Maduro and highlight the dire humanitarian crisis facing the nation.

As his arrival in Washington nears, the international community watches closely, questioning whether President Joe Biden will meet with González amidst widening political rifts in Venezuela. Observers speculate about the possible outcomes of this meeting, especially in light of the U.S.'s historically prominent role in advocating for democracy in the region.

González’s visit underscores the continuing struggle for democratic legitimacy in Venezuela and sets the stage for forthcoming political contests against an increasingly entrenched government.