Politics

Honduran politics is facing a new episode of tension following statements by former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal. His recent testimony, broadcast from Spain, points to the alleged intervention of Venezuela's Chavista government in the politics of the region, including Honduras, through what he called the “Venezuela Plan”.Carvajal asserted that this strategy involves funding political groups to broaden Chavismo's ideological reach across Latin America. Despite offering no documentary proof for his assertions, his declarations instantly triggered responses within both political circles and the general public. LIBRE, the nation's primary opposition party, finds itself central to the discussion due…

With only a few weeks remaining until the general elections, the governing party LIBRE is confronting an unparalleled scenario. The continuous drop in support for its candidate Rixi Moncada in surveys has triggered significant concern among political figures and the populace alike, due to the potential for the ruling party to employ tactics to maintain its grip on authority.Experts and commentators have observed that the campaign's storyline, which initially centered on the nation's "refounding," has now pivoted to tactics aimed at ensuring political longevity. The electoral climate reveals increasing friction among the executive, legislative, and Electoral Tribunal branches, marked by…

The Honduran business sector has expressed concern about the current political climate, considering that Honduras could be moving toward an economic and social model that limits private investment. Representatives of the private sector warn that the initiatives promoted by former president Manuel Zelaya and LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada could generate uncertainty in the country and affect economic stability.Warning signs for investmentDomestic and foreign business leaders point out that the country is no longer perceived as a safe haven for capital. According to a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, there are signs that the government is seeking to replicate…

The imminent installation of the Permanent Commission of the National Congress has reignited political tensions in Honduras. Amid an electoral scenario marked by Rixi Moncada's decline in the polls, various sectors warn that this measure could be used by the LIBRE party to reinforce its influence over state institutions and ensure its continued hold on power.A lawmaker facing examinationThe Permanent Commission, constitutionally established to function during legislative breaks, has been called into session during a period of significant instability. This time, its eventual establishment has generated distrust among political commentators and opposition groups, who suspect that the governing party aims…

The announcement that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize would go to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado triggered a swift and contentious response from ex-Honduran president José Manuel “Mel” Zelaya Rosales and the LIBRE political organization. Zelaya characterized the honor as “a challenge to history and to nations struggling for their self-determination” and charged the Nobel Committee with transforming the accolade into a “tool of contemporary imperialism.”In his message posted on social media, Zelaya called Machado a “coup leader” and “ally of the financial elites and foreign interests,” arguing that awarding her the prize represents an “affront to the Latin…

The conferral of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize upon Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has generated substantial impacts on the political landscape of the region, influencing the evolution of democratic movements and the standing of pro-Chávez factions across Latin America, specifically in Honduras.Machado as a democratic role modelThis international recognition positions Machado as a central figure in the defense of democracy and peaceful civic processes in the face of authoritarian regimes. Her distinction strengthens opposition leaders who promote institutional change in contexts where political freedom and citizen participation face restrictions. In this sense, the award legitimizes the work of…

Less than two months before the general elections, the LIBRE government authorized salary increases and selective bonuses of up to 33,000 lempiras per month for senior officers in the Armed Forces, while the troops receive only a fraction of those amounts. The decision, taken without public disclosure and during the election campaign, has prompted warnings from analysts, former military officials, and citizens about the possible effects on institutional neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.Former military commander Isaías Barahona stated that “these specific advantages represent a perilous bid to acquire ballots; they undermine the honor and neutrality of the…

The recent publication of election surveys has revealed a considerable drop for LIBRE candidate Rixi Moncada, positioning her in a remote fifth place among voter preferences, lagging behind uncertain voters and individuals indicating a “none” vote. This outcome has sparked worries regarding the potential effect on electoral transparency within the nation.Claims of political manipulationAnalysts and opposition party figures have highlighted alleged tactics by the LIBRE party and the administration aimed at securing their prolonged control of power given their candidate's decreasing public support. These claims include targeted pay raises and financial incentives for high-ranking military officers, which some political observers…

The conferral of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize upon Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has directly impacted the Honduran political landscape, solidifying her position as a symbol of democracy and generating friction within the governing LIBRE party.Evolution of María Corina Machado's influencePrior 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 as a…

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…