Oriol Miguélez

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Oriol Miguélez
Retrato oficial de Presidente Jimmy Morales.jpg
President of Paraboca
Assumed office
June 23rd, 2021
Preceded byGarr'n Cardoza II
Personal details
Born (1962-03-18) 18 March 1962 (age 62)
Cardoza, Paraboca

Oriol Miguélez is a Parabocan politician and activist who currently serves as the President of Paraboca, having succeeded Garr'n Cardoza in the 2021 election. He is a self-declared independent, although he aligns with populist-socialist groups. He was known prior to the presidency for his activism in environmental preservation, LGBTQ rights, and voting reform. Of working-class origin, Miguélez migrated as a child from Calatas to Cardoza with his family. As a teenager, he began his career as a metalworker and became a trade unionist. During and after the military dictatorship of Martin Sasnala, Miguélez led major workers' strikes between 1978 and 1980, and helped start the Workers Party in 1981, during Paraboca's political opening and the fall of communist influence. Miguélez was one of the main youth leaders of new democratic movement, which demanded democratic elections. Miguélez first ran for president in 2011 against incumbent president Julio Rouco, but was ultimately defeated by Rolando Graciani. Miguélez's return to politics culminated in his victory in the 2021 election.

In Paraboca, the term liberal is often avoided by leftists because of connotations with pro-business policies during neoliberalism or the military dictatorship. Miguélez advocated "socialism of the 21st century", but Miguélez's views are considered to be substantially similar to social liberalism. Although he showed a moderate center-left liberal tendency economically, he highlighted his father's closeness with the West Chanchajillan leader Parish White and negatively evaluated Juan Diego Barrios during the 2021 Chanchajillan crisis. He is "personally against" abortion, but maintains that it should be treated as a public health issue. Another feature distinguishing Miguélez's views as a political movement is its nonpartisan character. It overlaps the political parties, including the Workers Party founded by Miguélez. Although the movement was anchored in Miguélez's charisma, it differs from other movements surrounding political leaders in its lack of a cult of personality around the President.

Early life

Political career

Activism

Presidency

Miguélez with Prime Minister Juan Diego Barrios of West Chanchajilla.