Edmundo González Receives Madrid Medal, Citing 'Gesta of the Venezuelan People'
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Edmundo González, Venezuela's president-elect, expressed gratitude for the International Medal of the Community of Madrid.
- He stated the award recognizes the struggle and democratic commitment of the Venezuelan people.
- González also highlighted the warm welcome Venezuelans have received in Spain.
The International Medal of the Community of Madrid, awarded to Edmundo González, is more than just a personal honor; it is a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Venezuelan people's enduring fight for democracy. As the president-elect, González articulated this sentiment with profound gratitude, emphasizing that the distinction truly belongs to the millions of Venezuelans who have endured immense hardship and maintained their dignity, even in exile.
I receive the International Medal of the Community of Madrid with a heart full of gratitude. This distinction is awarded to heads of state, and by granting it to me, the Community of Madrid recognizes something that goes far beyond my person. It recognizes the feat of the Venezuelan people, their sustained democratic commitment during very hard years, and the dignity with which millions have had to leave our land.
His daughter, Carolina, accepting the award on his behalf, conveyed his deep appreciation for the generous and humane welcome Venezuelans have found in Spain. Her own emotional words, calling her father her childhood hero and now a symbol of hope for all Venezuelans dreaming of freedom, resonated deeply, underscoring the personal and national significance of this recognition. This gesture from the Community of Madrid powerfully reaffirms its support for Venezuela's democratic aspirations.
Venezuelans have found in Madrid and in Spain a generous and humane welcome that we carry engraved in our souls.
From the perspective of El Nacional, this award signifies a crucial international acknowledgment of Venezuela's struggle. It elevates González to the ranks of distinguished international figures, validating the opposition's cause on a global stage. This contrasts sharply with how the situation might be perceived by some international media, which may focus more on the political intricacies rather than the profound human element of resilience and hope that this award so clearly represents for Venezuelans both at home and abroad.
My father has been my hero since childhood. And to know that he is also for all Venezuelans who dream of living in freedom fills me with pride.
Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.