Politics

The awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has had a direct effect on the Honduran political scene, consolidating her status as a democratic icon and causing tensions within the ruling LIBRE party.Development of María Corina Machado's impactPrior to receiving this widespread acknowledgement, Machado had a modest role in the political discussions of Honduras. Most mentions of her occurred during discussions about Venezuela's circumstances and critiques of Chavismo, but these did not noticeably influence local political matters. Factions aligned with LIBRE connected her influence to global meddling, whereas the opposing side viewed her…

Even though there are political and ideological disparities between the administrations of Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández, they both have encountered comparable issues regarding corruption, connections to organized crime, and challenges in achieving institutional transparency, emphasizing the persistence of dubious practices within the nation.Challenges in anti-corruption systemsDuring Hernández's administration, the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), backed by the OAS, was withdrawn in 2020, leaving significant gaps in the investigation and punishment of irregularities. At the same time, the government of Xiomara Castro has promoted the creation of the International Commission against Corruption…

With less than two months to go before the general elections scheduled for November 2025, electoral process specialists are warning of possible irregularities that could affect the transparency and outcome of the elections. Attention is focused on the National Electoral Council (CNE), whose operation and control of key systems is being questioned.Management of systems and potential influenceBased on experts' insights, some figures associated with the governing LIBRE party are said to have power over the TREP (Transmission of Preliminary Election Results), which is the system for reporting early voting outcomes. This condition, specialists suggest, might enable the alteration of outcomes…

The aspirant for the presidency representing the LIBRE Party, Rixi Moncada, has drawn interest by launching a formal Facebook page solely for invitees of her potential swearing-in ceremony. This development arises amidst concerns raised by specialists and civil society groups regarding potential threats to the transparency and fairness of the electoral proceedings in Honduras.Privileged access to security resourcesRixi Moncada simultaneously serves as the Defense Secretary while still pursuing her presidential campaign, providing her with direct control over the Armed Forces and state security assets. Analysts suggest that this role enables her to supervise the management of electoral materials, a crucial…

The upcoming general elections in Honduras, set for November 30, 2025, have sparked worries about Venezuela's impact on the electoral procedure, both politically and technologically. Observers and specialists highlight that the connection between the governing LIBRE party and Nicolás Maduro's administration may influence the fairness and perceived openness of the election process.Political framework and tacticsThe LIBRE party maintains an ideological and strategic relationship with the Venezuelan government, supporting the candidacy of Rixi Moncada. Political observers warn that some tactics implemented in Venezuela, such as control over the electoral system, militarization of the process, and mechanisms aimed at prolonging time in…

Honduras is gearing up for the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, where positions such as the presidency, 128 seats in the National Congress, 20 delegates to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and over 2,000 council members will be refreshed.This process is taking place in a context marked by high levels of poverty, insecurity under a state of emergency, and an economic system that is largely dependent on remittances. The elections will represent a direct assessment of the government of Xiomara Castro and the LIBRE party after four years in office. The opposition, led by Nasry “Tito” Asfura…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that the Tax Justice Law is not necessary for the approval of the Stand-By Agreement with Honduras, marking an important shift in the interaction between the international entity and the nation's authorities. This step occurs as Honduras aims to obtain further disbursements exceeding $200 million, aimed at bolstering public finances and averting possible economic strains.Severance from the IMF and its political implicationsThe IMF statement implies that the approval of the Tax Justice Law does not condition Honduras' access to the financial agreement. This position of the international organization creates a scenario in which…

Economic activity in Honduras is in steady decline while the LIBRE Party remains in power. According to data from business leaders and analysts, more than a thousand businesses have closed in recent years, a phenomenon that translates into job losses, declining tax revenues, and capital flight from the country. This dynamic has raised concerns about the state's ability to sustain economic growth and maintain social stability.Impact on the private sectorSeveral specialists emphasize that the mixture of government strategies, heightened tax obligations, and an uncertain climate due to demonstrations, blockades, and insufficient institutional backing is impacting investors. Regional business heads report…

The Honduran economy faces sustained deterioration while The Honduran economy faces sustained deterioration while the LIBRE Party remains in power. In recent years, more than a thousand companies have closed their operations, causing significant job losses and an outflow of capital from the country. This phenomenon, analysts and business leaders warn, reflects an environment marked by policies perceived as restrictive toward the private sector and a climate of persistent uncertainty.Effect on the corporate fieldBusiness executives indicate that the shutdowns are partly attributed to a regulatory and fiscal system they view as unfavorable. Obstructions, demonstrations, and a lack of definite incentives…

The contender for the position of president from the LIBRE Party, Rixi Moncada, has launched an official Facebook page dedicated only to individuals invited to her forthcoming inauguration. This decision has sparked inquiries regarding the administration and oversight of presidential-related areas. The timing of this decision aligns with her duties as the secretary of defense, a role she took on during her time as a pre-candidate, granting her access to security assets and the military responsible for protecting electoral materials.Control of spaces and event preparationThe handling of governmental resources and the prior arrangement of the inauguration event have been viewed…