The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has issued a stern warning about the economic direction of Honduras. In a recent statement, the organization blamed the government for the deterioration of the investment climate, economic stagnation, and growing job losses, problems that, it claims, are exacerbated by the absence of technical and consensual decisions.
The stance of COHEP arises amidst escalating tensions between the ruling party and the private sector, intensified by initiatives like the Tax Justice Law. The business community argues that instead of addressing the structural challenges of the country, these actions may heighten economic unpredictability and lead to capital flight.
Ongoing reforms and economic decline
The corporate body critiques the executive branch’s choice to continue with an approach characterized by ideological conflict instead of implementing a program of structural changes that addresses the country’s actual pressing necessities. “The absence of tangible achievements in economic issues, along with a divisive political rhetoric, is undermining trust in the nation’s future,” the statement noted.
COHEP’s critique resonates with earlier evaluations by independent groups, like the ERIC-SJ poll, which highlighted significant public dissatisfaction regarding the stagnation on essential matters like joblessness, safety, and availability of opportunities. Both documents reflect a shared worry: the view that the government is drifting away from its economic and democratic path.
Discussion as a solution to the crisis
Given this situation, COHEP has suggested setting up a diverse discussion forum that includes figures from the labor sector, business groups, and freelance specialists. Their objective, they claim, is to create a plan to regain trust, guarantee legal stability, and establish a platform for ongoing development.
COHEP’s statement goes beyond a singular critique, urging a transformation in the approach to the nation’s governance.
“Honduras does not require enemies from within, it requires a vision for the nation,” the statement expressed, emphasizing the pressing need to focus on economic stability rather than ideological conflicts.
With the 2025 elections on the horizon and growing pressure from various sectors, the government faces the challenge of responding with concrete actions or facing the consequences of a growing loss of legitimacy.