Who is Dinorah Figuera, the head of the 2015 Parliament in exile who is now negotiating with Chavismo

Dinorah Figuera, a medical surgeon and former student leader, has emerged as a prominent opposition figure in Venezuela, heading the National Assembly elected in 2015. This body continues to operate independently of the parliament established in 2021 and controlled by the ruling party.

Figuera's political career began with student activism before she joined the Primero Justicia party, where she held national leadership positions. She served as a deputy in the National Assembly for the Capital District from 2011 to 2016 and later for Aragua state from 2016 to 2021. In January 2021, she was appointed president of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Commission within the 2015 National Assembly.

On January 5, 2023, Figuera was elected president of the 2015 National Assembly. This decision followed the opposition's move to dissolve the interim government previously led by Juan Guaidó. The new leadership, including vice presidents Marianela Fernández and Auristela Vásquez, was chosen during a virtual session as Figuera was in exile in Spain. This marked a historic moment, with the 2015 Assembly's board being composed entirely of women and operating from abroad.

International actors continue to recognize the 2015 National Assembly as the last democratically elected Venezuelan parliament, operating in parallel to the one led by Jorge Rodríguez and acknowledged by the government. Figuera's leadership is crucial as she represents the opposition parliament on the international stage amidst the ongoing reorganization of the Venezuelan opposition following the end of the interim government.

Figuera, born in Aragua state in 1961, has been living outside Venezuela due to security concerns and political persecution. Her recent return to the country for political meetings has placed her back at the center of political attention.

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I am proud to represent the Venezuelan Parliament. Who would have believed that the woman who comes from Catia, who has fought, who has supported the guilds, would today preside over such an important Parliament?