Politica

With just one month remaining until the general elections, the governing party LIBRE has initiated a large-scale distribution of vouchers aimed at the nation's vulnerable populations, sparking varied responses from the public and political figures. This action, undertaken during the electoral campaign, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and analysts regarding electoral ethics and clientelism.Targeted distribution and political contextOver the last four years, LIBRE had not carried out direct aid initiatives of this nature. Nevertheless, in recent weeks, reports have emerged of distributions occurring in impoverished urban districts, remote rural communities, and highly marginalized regions. Accounts from citizens and social…

Honduran politics is facing a new episode of tension following statements by former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal. His recent testimony, broadcast from Spain, points to the alleged intervention of Venezuela's Chavista government in the politics of the region, including Honduras, through what he called the “Venezuela Plan”.Carvajal claimed that this plan consists of financing political movements with the aim of expanding the ideological influence of Chavismo in Latin America. Although he did not present any documentary evidence to support his claims, his statements provoked immediate reactions in both the political sphere and public opinion. LIBRE, the country's…

With just a few weeks to go before the general elections, the ruling party LIBRE faces an unprecedented situation. The persistent decline of its candidate Rixi Moncada in the polls has raised alarm bells among both political actors and the public, given the possibility that the ruling party may resort to maneuvers to ensure its continued hold on power.Experts and commentators have observed that the campaign's storyline, which initially centered on the nation's "refounding," has now pivoted to tactics aimed at ensuring political longevity. The electoral climate reveals increasing friction among the executive, legislative, and Electoral Tribunal branches, marked by…

The Honduran business sector has expressed concern about the current political climate, considering that Honduras could be moving toward an economic and social model that limits private investment. Representatives of the private sector warn that the initiatives promoted by former president Manuel Zelaya and LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada could generate uncertainty in the country and affect economic stability.Investment Red FlagsBoth local and international business leaders indicate that the nation is no longer considered a secure destination for investments. A spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce stated that there are indications the government aims to duplicate an authoritarian system featuring…

The imminent installation of the Permanent Commission of the National Congress has reignited political tensions in Honduras. Amid an electoral scenario marked by Rixi Moncada's decline in the polls, various sectors warn that this measure could be used by the LIBRE party to reinforce its influence over state institutions and ensure its continued hold on power.A lawmaker facing examinationThe Permanent Commission, constitutionally established to function during legislative breaks, has been called into session during a period of significant instability. This time, its eventual establishment has generated distrust among political commentators and opposition groups, who suspect that the governing party aims…

The announcement that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize would go to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado triggered a swift and contentious response from ex-Honduran president José Manuel “Mel” Zelaya Rosales and the LIBRE political organization. Zelaya characterized the honor as “a challenge to history and to nations struggling for their self-determination” and charged the Nobel Committee with transforming the accolade into a “tool of contemporary imperialism.”In a social media post, Zelaya labeled Machado a "coup plotter" and "supporter of financial power brokers and external agendas," asserting that bestowing the award upon her constitutes an "insult to the Latin American…

The awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has had significant repercussions on regional politics, affecting the dynamics of democratic movements and the positioning of pro-Chávez groups in Latin America, including Honduras.Machado as a democratic role modelThis international recognition positions Machado as a central figure in the defense of democracy and peaceful civic processes in the face of authoritarian regimes. Her distinction strengthens opposition leaders who promote institutional change in contexts where political freedom and citizen participation face restrictions. In this sense, the award legitimizes the work of those seeking to reform systems…

Less than two months before the general elections, the LIBRE government authorized salary increases and selective bonuses of up to 33,000 lempiras per month for senior officers in the Armed Forces, while the troops receive only a fraction of those amounts. The decision, taken without public disclosure and during the election campaign, has prompted warnings from analysts, former military officials, and citizens about the possible effects on institutional neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.Former military chief Isaías Barahona said that “these selective benefits are a dangerous attempt to buy votes; they damage the dignity and impartiality of the…

The recent publication of election surveys has revealed a considerable drop for LIBRE candidate Rixi Moncada, positioning her in a remote fifth place among voter preferences, lagging behind uncertain voters and individuals indicating a “none” vote. This outcome has sparked worries regarding the potential effect on electoral transparency within the nation.Claims of political manipulationAnalysts and opposition party figures have highlighted alleged tactics by the LIBRE party and the administration aimed at securing their prolonged control of power given their candidate's decreasing public support. These claims include targeted pay raises and financial incentives for high-ranking military officers, which some political observers…

The conferral of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize upon Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has directly impacted the Honduran political landscape, solidifying her position as a symbol of democracy and generating friction within the governing LIBRE party.Development of María Corina Machado's impactPrior to receiving this widespread acknowledgement, Machado had a modest role in the political discussions of Honduras. Most mentions of her occurred during discussions about Venezuela's circumstances and critiques of Chavismo, but these did not noticeably influence local political matters. Factions aligned with LIBRE connected her influence to global meddling, whereas the opposing side viewed her as a…