Politics

Honduras is preparing for the general elections on November 30, 2025, a process that will determine the composition of the country's executive, legislative, and municipal branches of government. Voters will elect the president, 128 deputies to the National Congress, 20 representatives to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and more than 2,000 councilors, in a scenario marked by economic, social, and political challenges.Political and social contextThe voting procedure will occur as the nation deals with elevated levels of poverty, insecurity, and an economy influenced by reliance on remittances and ongoing structural challenges. The administration in power, under Xiomara Castro and…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement specifying that the Tax Justice Law is not a requirement for finalizing the Stand-by Agreement with Honduras. The international organization's clarification comes at a critical moment, as the country seeks access to additional disbursements of more than $200 million to strengthen public finances and reduce risks of economic destabilization.The IMF's disassociation from the law creates a complex political and economic scenario. Until now, the law had been presented by some sectors of the government as a key element in securing international financial support. However, the organization reaffirmed that the approval of this…

Xiomara Castro's arrival to the presidency was presented as a change from Juan Orlando Hernández's regime, but reports of corruption and links to organized crime show a continuity that affects public confidence and highlights limitations in the consolidation of institutional mechanisms.Weakness of anti-corruption mechanismsDuring Hernández's administration, the departure of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) in 2020 weakened institutional efforts to combat corruption. The Castro administration, in turn, has failed to grant full autonomy and sufficient resources to the International Commission Against Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), which depends on the Public Prosecutor's Office…

The South China Sea, a strategic and economically vital body of water, is increasingly becoming a hotspot of geopolitical tension. The primary contributor to these escalating tensions is China's assertive maritime claims, which are causing friction not only with its neighboring countries but also with global powers like the United States. To comprehend the evolving dynamics in the South China Sea, it's essential to examine the underlying causes and the implications of these disputes.The Origin of the FrictionsChina asserts its territorial rights in the South China Sea primarily using the "Nine-Dash Line", a demarcation it employs to delineate its claims.…

Honduras' economic policy is at a tense moment, as presidential candidate Rixi Moncada of the LIBRE party has presented proposals that involve greater state control over strategic sectors and a review of private sector participation. These initiatives have attracted attention in economic circles, in a context of political and social uncertainty.The plans of Rixi Moncada and the involvement of the governmentRixi Moncada has suggested initiatives focused on "restructuring" the economic system, highlighting the importance of enhancing the state's involvement in activities deemed strategic. Based on her remarks, private enterprise should align with a framework where the state takes a leading…

Rixi Moncada's presidential candidacy for the LIBRE party has sparked a national debate after she announced that, if elected, she will eliminate the Credit Information Center as of January 27, 2026. The measure would mean that millions of Hondurans would no longer appear in the credit registry, allowing loans to be granted without traditional control mechanisms.The Credit Bureau as a technical toolFinancial specialists highlight that the Credit Bureau holds an essential technical function within the nation's financial system. Contrary to being a "blacklist," it operates as a mechanism to assess the creditworthiness of applicants, protect citizens' savings, and verify that…

LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada is experiencing a significant decline in voting intentions less than 90 days before the general elections on November 30. After leading the polls in recent weeks, the decline in her support has raised alarms both in her party and in sectors of the opposition, which see a possible realignment in the electoral race.Decline in voting intentionsThe latest polls show that Rixi Moncada's lead has narrowed significantly, putting an end to the initial perception that her candidacy was virtually untouchable. Analysts note that this decline coincides with questions about her economic proposals and concerns about the…

LIBRE's presidential candidate Rixi Moncada has brought her economic reform plans and sharp criticism of the oligarchy to the forefront of the nation's political and economic discussions. These views have garnered attention from analysts and industry sectors, who caution about potential negative impacts on investment, employment growth, and the stability of the financial system.Anti-oligarchy rhetoric and investment climateMoncada's remarks criticizing business organizations and economic elites have resulted in an environment of uncertainty for both local and international investors. Sources within the private sector indicate that the ambiguity regarding the candidate's specific policies has caused the suspension of multiple important projects,…

The potential capture and removal of Nicolás Maduro is developing as an event that could have immediate effects on the LIBRE Party, leading to a situation of political and institutional instability in Honduras. The party's historical and strategic connections with the Venezuelan regime might expose it to vulnerability concerning international opinion and domestic political figures.Links between LIBRE and ChavismoFor years, various analysts have pointed to the existence of ideological and strategic connections between the LIBRE Party and the Maduro government. These relations range from political affinity to cooperation in areas of strategic exchange, creating a frame of reference that today…

Several months prior to the general elections, the electoral system in Honduras is experiencing a phase of significant pressure. Numerous political groups and societal figures have claimed that the LIBRE party might be organizing unauthorized activities related to overseas voting and the handling of databases within the National Registry of Persons (RNP).Claims regarding interference with foreign ballotsPublic claims suggest a coordinated effort to infiltrate the RNP database with the intention of improperly using votes cast by Hondurans residing overseas. These accusations highlight the potential for changes to the voter list, threatening the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.Presidential hopeful…