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Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González has declared himself president and called on the armed forces to recognize him as commander-in-chief, escalating the post-election power struggle and placing the military at the center of a potentially decisive transition.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Video address and core claim

González released his message on X on January 5, 2026. In remarks cited by NBC News, he asserted that those who have unlawfully seized power would face an impartial court, framing his appeal to the military as a bid to restore constitutional order.

Election dispute: two competing claims

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council named Nicolás Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024 presidential election. Washington, however, has said González won based on vote counts it recognizes—dueling claims that have deepened the political crisis and intensified international pressure.

Courts and succession signals

On Saturday, Venezuela’s Supreme Court stated that, under the Constitution, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume presidential powers if the head of state is detained. Separate reports circulated that Nicolás Maduro could appear in a U.S. federal court on Monday.

Why the military’s stance is decisive

González’s appeal puts the armed forces in a pivotal role. Whichever side the military backs will shape internal stability, the cohesion of security institutions, and the trajectory of any power transition.

International pressure and what’s next

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously outlined conditions for any interim leadership. With external pressure rising and domestic institutions weighing in, attention now turns to the military’s response and the outcome of pending legal steps.