Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid after fleeing to Spain amid threats from Nicolás Maduro's government. González, who claims to be the legitimate winner of the July 28 presidential election, is seeking asylum and has garnered support from the U.S. and some Spanish lawmakers, who recently passed a nonbinding motion urging Sánchez to recognize him as president. During their meeting, Sánchez framed González's asylum as a 'gesture of humanity', although Spain's government aligns with the EU's stance of not officially recognizing him as the elected leader. The Venezuelan government has responded by threatening to sever diplomatic ties with Spain, escalating tensions between the two countries. González expressed hope for change in Venezuela, emphasizing the need to avoid further conflict and suffering. The situation remains fluid as the European Parliament prepares to discuss the election results and the implications of González's asylum.