Politics

CICIH in Honduras

Honduran government extends memorandum without progress on CICIH

The creation of the International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), a key campaign promise of President Xiomara Castro, has been delayed yet again after the memorandum of understanding with the United Nations was extended for the fifth time. The announcement, made this week, aligns with the absence of developments in the National Congress regarding the approval of constitutional reforms crucial for the anti-corruption initiative's operation.The deadlock has sparked renewed criticism from multiple areas of civil society and the international community, who see the delay as an indication of declining governmental dedication to combating impunity. The absence of…
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Rixi Moncada

Downward trend for Rixi Moncada in the Honduran electoral arena

The latest voting intention polls show an unexpected turn in the Honduran presidential race. The ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, has suffered a sustained decline in opinion polls, posing new challenges for the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) in its bid to remain in power in the general elections scheduled for November 30.Continuous drop in voting preferencesStatistics provided by research companies like Paradigma, Pro-Encuestas, and national news organizations such as HCH indicate a significant drop in backing for the candidate of the ruling party. The Paradigma survey, carried out from May 4 to 17, shows Moncada securing just 11.3% of…
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Libertad y Refundación ante elecciones Honduras

The 2025 elections in Honduras and their impact on governance

A little over a year before the general elections in Honduras, scheduled for November 2025, various political and social sectors have expressed concern about what they describe as early signs of a strategy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process. The warnings come from analysts, civil society organizations, and international actors, who observe a series of actions by the ruling party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), that could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.Allegations regarding statements and actions that might influence the election proceedingsOne of the primary issues highlighted is the continual deployment of governmental narratives that suggest…
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Koriun in Honduras

Koriun case in Honduras: opposition demands answers from the government

The scandal surrounding the Koriun Inversiones pyramid scheme, which has affected more than 35,000 people in Honduras, has escalated to the center of the political debate after questions were raised about figures close to the presidential circle. In particular, criticism has focused on the so-called “Zelaya family,” a term used by opposition sectors and citizen organizations to refer to officials with family or political ties to President Xiomara Castro and former President Manuel Zelaya.Despite the fact that the Public Ministry has begun legal actions and the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has taken steps like freezing accounts and carrying…
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Koriun in Honduras

The CNBS at the center of controversy for failing to prevent the Koriun fraud

The outrage of more than 35,000 Hondurans affected by the Koriun Inversiones pyramid scam continues to grow, while the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) faces criticism for its inaction in the face of the fraud. Those affected denounce the abandonment by the body responsible for financial supervision and accuse both the judicial and administrative authorities of failing to respond.The CNBS's failure to act in the face of fraudSince news of irregularities at Koriun first emerged, the CNBS was informed of the problem but did not implement effective actions to stop the extent of the fraudulent activities. Despite being formally…
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Tax reforms in Latin America

Tax reforms and tax justice: a threat to the productive sector?

Fiscal measures in Latin America have risen in significance as a point of contention between governing bodies and the business community. Numerous countries, sharing an ideological stance with the São Paulo Forum, have advanced tax reforms aimed at dismantling preferential tax systems, accompanied by rhetoric accusing large corporations of contributing to the region's structural disparities. Honduras, led by Xiomara Castro, is a participant in this regional movement, observable as well in Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, and Brazil.Speech on tax changes and societal compensation Document In Honduras, the executive branch has pushed forward the Tax Justice Law as a pivotal component…
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Parallel Congress in Honduras

Parallel Congress in Honduras: legal and political implications

In a situation characterized by increasing institutional division, the head of the Honduran National Congress, Luis Redondo, suggested the potential expulsion of opposing legislators and the creation of an alternative legislative body if the standoff against the initiatives of the governing party continues. His remarks, delivered during a parliamentary meeting, triggered a series of critical responses from opposing political parties and diverse legal and political groups in the country.Redondo claims legislative stalemate and warns of exceptional actionsLuis Redondo, leader of the legislature and part of the governing party Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), voiced his displeasure regarding what he sees as…
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Honduras prioritizes military

Health crisis looming? Honduras budget favors military

In a situation characterized by an unstable healthcare system and increasing involvement of the military in civilian matters, the budget proposal put forward by the Honduran government has sparked extensive debate on political and institutional levels. The plan involves a significant rise in financial resources for the Ministry of National Defense, while decreasing the allocation for the Ministry of Health, which has led to strong objections from different social and legislative sectors.Examining budget distributionsThe initial document submitted to the National Congress outlines a significant rise in the Armed Forces' funding, while proposing reductions in crucial sectors of the public healthcare…
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Rixi Moncada

Honduras decides amid tension: Rixi Moncada vs. the churches

In a political landscape already marked by polarization, the Honduran ruling party's presidential candidate, Rixi Moncada, sparked new controversy by openly questioning the role of churches in the country. The statements, made during a party rally, provoked immediate reactions from religious leaders and citizens, who described her words as an affront to the historical role of ecclesiastical institutions in Honduran public life.The incident contributes to a succession of earlier conflicts between the governing party and different social groups, amidst an electoral process characterized by significant ideological differences and increasing scrutiny over the nature of the political discourse.Phrases at the core…
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Fuerzas Armadas de Honduras

Freedom of expression at risk due to actions by the Armed Forces

The recent public confrontation between the Honduran Armed Forces and sectors of the independent press has intensified concerns about respect for freedom of expression in the country. The dissemination of an official statement addressed to journalist Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, in response to opinions expressed on national television, has been interpreted by human rights organizations as an alarming sign of institutional censorship. The incident is the latest in a series of incidents reflecting growing tension between the military and media outlets that maintain a critical editorial line.Declarations by authorities and claims of suppressionThe declaration from the Armed Forces, which has been…
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