Venezuelan exiles in Madrid adapt as president‑elect remains in exile

In Madrid’s Salamanca neighborhood, often called “Little Caracas,” Venezuelan exiles are adjusting after the United States’ capture of Nicolás Maduro, even as the opposition’s president‑elect, Edmundo González, remains in exile and continues to coordinate from a modest apartment in the city.

Spain is home to roughly 700,000 Venezuelan emigrants, the largest community outside the Americas, and many of its most prominent political figures live in Madrid. Exiles say Mr. González has been working on prisoner releases, speaking with dignitaries and drafting a platform while being addressed as “presidente,” and that Madrid is “the center where the leaders with the highest political responsibilities are based,” according to Ismael García.

The diaspora includes María Corina Machado, Leopoldo López, former mayors, politicians, generals and businessmen who have made parts of Salamanca feel like Caracas. Many in Madrid celebrated Mr. Maduro’s Jan. 3 abduction by American special forces and expected a swift return home, but some exiles say they were surprised when the United States appeared to stick with Mr.

Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodríguez.

Key Topics

World, Edmundo González, Madrid, Salamanca, Nicolás Maduro, María Corina Machado