Claudia Ortiz, leader of the opposition to Bukele: El Salvador is moving toward an authoritarian regime'

"Claudia Ortiz, 38, has become the most visible political figure in the opposition to Nayib Bukele in El Salvador. Her political capital is far from matching the president's propaganda machine and overwhelming popularity, but today she is the only leader in the country mentioned as a possible option for a possible post-Bukele era. The outlook, in any case, seems distant. Bukele maintains control over all three branches of government, including the Legislative Assembly, where Ortiz is a representative."

"In 2023, lawmakers aligned with the president reduced the number of seats in the house from 84 to 60, raising the threshold for votes needed to occupy a seat. The maneuver ultimately wiped out the traditional parties: ARENA, the right-wing party, was reduced to two representatives, and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), which had held the presidency before Bukele, was practically wiped off the political map."

Claudia Ortiz, 38, is the most visible opposition figure to President Nayib Bukele and the only leader mentioned as a possible post-Bukele option. Bukele controls all three government branches, including the Legislative Assembly where Ortiz serves. In 2023 allied lawmakers reduced assembly seats from 84 to 60 and raised vote thresholds, eliminating traditional parties like ARENA and the FMLN. Ortiz was elected on the Vamos ticket, grew her voter base, and became the most supported opposition candidate in 2024 but chose not to run against Bukele. Ortiz reports institutional blockade, lack of access to legislative information, harassment, fear for judicial guarantees, and possible exile.

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