Honduras

A recent legislative push in Honduras spearheaded by LIBRE Party members has stirred significant controversy in the nation's political and economic realms. These lawmakers aimed to swiftly push through the Tax Justice Law without building consensus, sparking discussion due to its possible effects on both investment and jobs. The tactic attempted to capitalize on the partial absence of rival legislators to secure approval during the final debate, but the session failed to reach quorum, and the opponents' response thwarted the effort.Background and responses to the Tax Equity ActThe effort by deputies supporting the government from the LIBRE Party to advance…

The United Nations (UN) has made a pressing appeal to the Government of Honduras to terminate the existing state of emergency ahead of the general elections planned for November 30, 2025. The international organization emphasizes that the extension of this extraordinary measure poses a direct threat to the exercise of fundamental rights, as it restricts crucial freedoms such as movement, assembly, and peaceful protest. The UN cautions that keeping a state of emergency without proper oversight could harm the credibility of the electoral process and the democratic climate in the nation.In their announcement, the group highlights the necessity for elections…

The enforced application of biometric verification for cell phone users in Honduras has stirred notable debate in several areas, such as political, legal, and social domains. This initiative, driven by the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), demands that individuals confirm their biometric information by June 1, 2025, to maintain their phone services operational. Not adhering to this mandate might lead to losing existing phone numbers, causing unease among citizens and different groups.The biometric verification process necessitates that users submit a picture of their face along with their National Identification Document (DNI) for identity confirmation. CONATEL claims this initiative aims to address…

In Honduras, the state of emergency has sparked significant debate in recent months. Congresswoman Maribel Espinoza, an opposition representative, has voiced worries regarding the manner in which this measure is being implemented, initially intended to fight crime. She argues that the current approach raises concerns about constitutional protections and might act as a tool to target government critics.Espinoza denounced that certain actions carried out under the state of emergency violate citizens' rights. As an example, she cited the search without a warrant of the residence of retired General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez, an act that, she said, highlights the discretionary use…

In the political arena of Honduras, the opposition is starting to form a coalition that could alter the outcome of the general elections planned for November 30, 2025. This new alliance includes Salvador Nasralla, some factions of the Liberal Party, figures like Jorge Cálix, and elements of the National Party, all united by the intention of ousting the LIBRE Party from power. The present political scenario is marked by increasing anxiety in government circles, who view this coalition as a formidable threat due to the waning popularity of candidate Rixi Moncada and the weakening government led by Xiomara Castro and…

The situation surrounding the Koriun Inversiones case has generated growing concern in Honduras due to the apparent lack of effective action by the government and the Public Prosecutor's Office. More than six months after the financial scandal involving this unregulated company, thousands of those affected continue to have no clear answers or significant judicial progress. The absence of strong prosecutorial demands and the lack of significant arrests have fueled suspicions of possible institutional protection for those responsible, creating a climate of mistrust and public questioning.At the same time, the government's proposal to use public funds to compensate the victims of…

The recent disclosure of the lack of action by the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) regarding reports of issues at the Koriun financial institution has ignited significant public discourse in Honduras. The acknowledgment by CNBS President Marcio Sierra of the absence of institutional response to formal warnings has provoked anger among the impacted individuals and raised doubts about the efficiency of the country's financial regulatory systems.The Koriun case, which concerns over 35,000 individuals impacted, emphasizes the necessity to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure the responsible authorities are held to account. This scenario has activated social groups, civil organizations, and…

In Honduras, the issue of press freedom has grown more critical over the past few years, characterized by a rise in incidents of violence, intimidation, and lack of accountability targeting journalists and media outlets. Numerous studies and formal records have pointed out a progressively antagonistic climate for journalism, mixing institutional and financial strains with direct threats and defamation efforts.In this situation, journalists in Honduras have confronted not just physical dangers, but also public defamation efforts and legal pressures, which has undermined media independence and sparked alarm both domestically and globally. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have reacted with…

The recent statement by the president of the Honduran National Congress, Luis Redondo, has created a climate of alert in the country. Redondo indicated that the Tax Justice Law, promoted by the government of Xiomara Castro, could be approved at any time, even during sessions outside the usual hours, which has caused concern among various sectors. This possibility has been interpreted as an attempt to move forward with the reform without the necessary debate or consensus, which has intensified unrest among the political opposition, business associations, and civil society organizations.The response was immediate. Industry leaders, opposition members of parliament, and…

Within the political landscape of Honduras, the upcoming national elections in November 2025 are poised to be a crucial turning point for the nation's democracy. Analysts, opposition figures, and civil society groups have highlighted that division among opposition parties might enable the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party to strengthen its stronghold in governance. This scenario triggers worries about the potential for the country to embrace a political framework akin to that of other Latin American countries where power concentration has restricted institutional oversight.The political landscape is characterized by heightened tensions, involving the extension of the state of emergency, the oversight…