As the November general elections approach, the government of Xiomara Castro and her party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), are facing mounting pressure due to three scandals that have captured the attention of the public and political sectors in the country. These events could have decisive implications for the political future of the current administration and its party, whose image and support are seriously compromised just months before the polls.
Scandal at the Ministry of Social Development: another “Pandora” case?
One substantial hit to the LIBRE administration’s reputation has been the controversy in the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL). Known as “Pandora 2,” referencing the corruption case tied to Juan Orlando Hernández’s government, this controversy uncovers a scheme involving the misappropriation of public funds, irregularities in contract allocation, and the manipulation of social programs for political gain in regions strategically dominated by the governing party.
The lack of significant progress in the investigations has generated widespread discontent, even among sectors that have traditionally supported the government. Although the allegations were made public months ago, the lack of concrete action to clarify the facts has called into question the government’s ability to guarantee the transparency and social justice it had promised. The perception that SEDESOL is being used for political purposes continues to gain ground, increasing mistrust in the current administration.
The deception at Koriun Inversiones and the government’s failure to act
Another issue seriously affecting the LIBRE administration is the million-dollar scam by the company Koriun Inversiones, which has left more than 35,000 Hondurans in a vulnerable financial situation. This pyramid scheme, which promised exorbitant returns, has been responsible for one of the largest scams in the country’s recent history. However, what has raised the most suspicion is not only the magnitude of the fraud, but also the silence of the authorities in response to previous complaints that had already been filed against the company.
The National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) admitted that it had been alerted to Koriun Inversiones’ activities before its collapse but did not take appropriate measures. This apparent indifference from governmental bodies has intensified the belief that there might be concealment or oversight by officials. Furthermore, supposed connections between individuals associated with the ruling party and the firm have been highlighted, leading to worries about potential collusion or state shielding of the fraud.
This scandal has had a negative impact, especially among the middle class, which has been directly affected. According to some analysts, this type of fraud could cost the LIBRE party dearly, as citizens tend to remember and strongly reject when they are directly harmed economically. In this context, the silence of the authorities has only increased social discontent.
Is there a double standard in battling crime? An analysis of the drug trafficking video
The latest scandal to rock Xiomara Castro’s government is the leak of a video showing high-profile figures linked to drug trafficking activities. The recording, released by the organization InSight Crime, has revealed a possible link between drug traffickers and members of the government, contradicting the official discourse on the fight against organized crime.
This latest scandal has sparked renewed criticism of the government’s security approach while also raising doubts about the fairness and efficiency of the Honduran judicial system. Discussions have emerged about “selective justice,” where some individuals face prosecution while others, seemingly with political ties, seem to receive protection. These claims have intensified the belief that the nation’s officials lack commitment to a genuine and open battle against drug trafficking and corruption.
Challenges for LIBRE in the electoral context
These three scandals have eroded the image of the government and its party less than five months before the general elections, scheduled for November 30. According to the most recent polls, the approval rating of Xiomara Castro’s government has fallen significantly, while the ruling party’s candidate, Rixi Moncada, also faces growing rejection.
The drop in the LIBRE administration’s approval is not just a reaction to these controversies but also to a sensed deficiency in responsibility and openness in government operations. Experts caution that if the governing party does not stop this downward trend, the story of transformation it has supported since its beginning might backfire, becoming a disadvantage in elections.
As an opposition leader expressed, “the issue isn’t just the existence of scandals; it’s the arrogance of overlooking them.” This lack of concern for tackling the root problems might lead to significant repercussions during elections.
A future that is not clear for LIBRE
The administration of LIBRE is experiencing a phase of intense pressure as the elections draw near. Controversies involving corruption within SEDESOL, the Koriun Inversiones scam, and the potential connections between top officials and drug cartels have severely tarnished the governing party’s reputation, exposing institutional vulnerabilities and increasing public skepticism. Amidst a climate of division and rising electoral ambitions, these incidents emphasize the political, economic, and organizational hurdles LIBRE must overcome to maintain public backing and succeed in the forthcoming elections.