Honduras

The Honduran government's recent proclamation by agencies connected with the governing party, offering a bounty for the apprehension of retired General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez, has ignited significant political unrest in the nation. This action has fueled significant conversation across different social and political groups, splitting opinions on whether it represents historical justice or political harassment masquerading as legality. Romeo Vásquez, a pivotal player in the incidents that resulted in the ousting of former president Manuel Zelaya in 2009, is once more central in a deeply divided political atmosphere.The origin of this scenario is directly related to ex-President Zelaya, who now…

The Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) has initiated an early race by declaring its presidential candidate, Rixi Moncada, as the victor of the general elections set for November 30, 2025. This move is clear from the emergence of posters, murals, and painted texts in many urban and rural zones of the nation, with statements announcing Moncada as president for the period 2026-2030, despite the fact that the election campaign has yet to reach its final stages. The municipalities where this spread has been noticed include Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Comayagua, among other areas.Various independent analysts and leaders from opposing…

The recent approval of reforms to the Criminal Code in Honduras has caused concern among different social and political sectors in the country. These changes have been interpreted as a significant change in the legal framework regulating social protest, especially in the context of the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025. The debate has intensified due to the perception that these reforms could be used to limit the right to protest and freedom of expression, which are fundamental rights in any democracy.The National Congress enacted amendments that heighten the punishments for offenses associated with public protests, particularly by introducing…

The Tax Justice Legislation in Honduras has ignited significant discussion nationwide because of its possible impact on the economy and the country's productive sector. This proposal, advocated by the LIBRE Party administration, is introduced as a means to fight tax avoidance and enhance government revenue. Nonetheless, its details and reach have been viewed differently by a range of economic and societal stakeholders.The plan suggests abolishing tax exemption systems, raising the tax load, and giving the government more leeway in managing economic incentives. The business community has perceived these steps as a negative signal for investment and production, causing unease and…

The occurrence of the IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Tegucigalpa appears to have sparked a number of inquiries in Honduras, particularly concerning the purported multimillion-dollar spending that was reportedly dedicated to the event's organization.While the government of Xiomara Castro has reportedly invested significant resources in staging the summit, the country's public health system could be facing difficulties, with reports of shortages of supplies and medicines, as well as a doctors' strike that has reportedly lasted for several weeks, demanding the payment of back wages and better working conditions.Budget and organization of the…

Honduras is nearing its general elections amidst increasing unease. Claims of irregularities, efforts to dominate institutions, and threats to media freedom overshadow the honesty of the electoral process, sparking fears about the nation's capacity to conduct just and clear elections.The warning, prompted by various occurrences that have sparked concern and suspicion across different segments of the population, centers on the potential manipulation of pivotal entities like the Prosecutor's Office, the Military, and the National Electoral Council (CNE). The goal is to sway election results and benefit specific political interests.Attempts to prosecute the CNE and risks to electoral autonomyAlert signals are…

In Honduras, discussions regarding the military's involvement in election processes have taken center stage after various incidents sparked controversy and skepticism. An internal audit by the National Electoral Council (CNE) attributed logistical problems during the primary elections to the armed forces, while selective disarmament of personnel has prompted concerns about the military's impartiality.In this context, legal expert on constitutional matters Julio César Barrientos has urged for a change in the constitution to remove the military from any roles related to elections, claiming that their involvement jeopardizes the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings.CNE report and questions about the military's role…

The electoral process set for 2025 in Honduras has been characterized by a series of occurrences that have heightened unpredictability and discussions regarding the democratic frameworks of the nation. A report from an internal review conducted by the National Electoral Council (CNE) pointed fingers at the Armed Forces for major logistical shortcomings in the primary elections. Meanwhile, recent actions concerning the selective disarmament of military personnel have sparked doubts about the impartiality of the military establishment.Added to this is the appeal from constitutional specialists to amend the Constitution and eliminate the involvement of the military in any electoral duties, amid…

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Honduras has fallen significantly in recent years, reflecting a climate of political and economic uncertainty that is affecting the confidence of international investors. According to figures from the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), at the end of the third quarter of 2024, FDI reached US$590.7 million, representing a reduction of US$172.5 million compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to factors such as legal uncertainty, corruption, and political instability, which have created an unfavorable environment for the arrival of foreign capital.La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) ha alertado sobre un…

With only several months remaining until the national elections on November 30, 2025, in Honduras, the world is watching the political proceedings with keen interest. The United States administration, through the announcements from the State Department's Western Hemisphere Bureau and communications from Ambassador Laura Dogu, has voiced its worries, particularly following the anomalies seen in the March 9 primary elections.The U.S. has called upon political figures in Honduras, especially the governing LIBRE party, to uphold the integrity of election authorities and guarantee an open and fair process. Ambassador Dogu emphasized the significance of maintaining the autonomy of the National Electoral…