A short while ago, Edmundo González Urrutia was enjoying retirement, relishing in family time as a grandfather visiting his daughter and grandchildren abroad. However, his tranquil interlude abruptly shifted gears as he found himself thrust into Venezuela’s presidential race.

The presidency was never a role González Urrutia actively pursued. “Never,” he emphasized in an interview with The Associated Press at his Caracas apartment.

In the dynamic realm of Venezuelan politics, this former ambassador now plays a pivotal role in efforts to unseat President Nicolás Maduro as the primary candidate of the main opposition faction.

“I have never held an elected position. I have never participated in partisan politics or held elected office,” he explained. “I accepted it with enormous responsibility as a contribution to the democratization of the country and the process of seeking understanding and reconciliation among Venezuelans.”

González Urrutia was named the opposition Unitary Platform’s candidate last month after former lawmaker María Corina Machado and her selected alternative were barred from registering. He took on the role 15 days after returning from vacation, under certain conditions, including obtaining his wife’s approval.

With the election slated for July 28 and featuring 10 candidates, González Urrutia stands as the most significant contender against Maduro, who seeks a third term extending until 2031.

Machado, despite being blocked from candidacy, has been campaigning for over a year. She recently began urging her supporters to back González Urrutia, though he is yet to make public appearances. He plans to launch his campaign later this month, with Machado and other opposition figures continuing to hold events across the nation.