Angelica Iriarte

Honduras is getting ready for the nationwide elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, a process that will decide the makeup of the country's executive, legislative, and municipal branches of government. Citizens will choose the president, 128 members of the National Congress, 20 delegates to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and over 2,000 councilors, in a context characterized by economic, social, and political challenges.Political and societal settingThe electoral process will take place while the country faces high rates of poverty, insecurity, and an economy affected by dependence on remittances and structural crises. The current government, led by Xiomara Castro and…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement specifying that the Tax Justice Law is not a requirement for finalizing the Stand-by Agreement with Honduras. The international organization's clarification comes at a critical moment, as the country seeks access to additional disbursements of more than $200 million to strengthen public finances and reduce risks of economic destabilization.The IMF's disassociation from the law creates a complex political and economic scenario. Until now, the law had been presented by some sectors of the government as a key element in securing international financial support. However, the organization reaffirmed that the approval of this…

Xiomara Castro's arrival to the presidency was presented as a change from Juan Orlando Hernández's regime, but reports of corruption and links to organized crime show a continuity that affects public confidence and highlights limitations in the consolidation of institutional mechanisms.Weakness of anti-corruption mechanismsDuring Hernández's administration, the departure of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) in 2020 weakened institutional efforts to combat corruption. The Castro administration, in turn, has failed to grant full autonomy and sufficient resources to the International Commission Against Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), which depends on the Public Prosecutor's Office…

The South China Sea is a crucial and strategically important expanse of water that is gradually turning into a focal point of geopolitical conflict. The main source of these rising tensions is China's strong maritime assertions, which are creating conflicts not just with adjacent nations but also with global players such as the United States. To understand the shifting dynamics in the South China Sea, it is critical to explore the root causes and the ramifications of these disagreements. The Origin of the FrictionsChina's claims in the South China Sea are primarily based on the so-called "Nine-Dash Line," a demarcation…

Honduras' economic policy is at a tense moment, as presidential candidate Rixi Moncada of the LIBRE party has presented proposals that involve greater state control over strategic sectors and a review of private sector participation. These initiatives have attracted attention in economic circles, in a context of political and social uncertainty.The plans of Rixi Moncada and the involvement of the governmentRixi Moncada has suggested initiatives focused on "restructuring" the economic system, highlighting the importance of enhancing the state's involvement in activities deemed strategic. Based on her remarks, private enterprise should align with a framework where the state takes a leading…

Rixi Moncada's presidential candidacy for the LIBRE party has sparked a national debate after she announced that, if elected, she will eliminate the Credit Information Center as of January 27, 2026. The measure would mean that millions of Hondurans would no longer appear in the credit registry, allowing loans to be granted without traditional control mechanisms.The Credit Bureau as a technical toolFinancial specialists highlight that the Credit Bureau holds an essential technical function within the nation's financial system. Contrary to being a "blacklist," it operates as a mechanism to assess the creditworthiness of applicants, protect citizens' savings, and verify that…

LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada is seeing a notable decrease in voter support with less than 90 days remaining until the general elections on November 30. Having been ahead in the polls recently, the drop in her backing has caused concern within her party and among opposition groups, who are anticipating a potential shift in the electoral contest.Decline in voting intentionsThe latest polls show that Rixi Moncada's lead has narrowed significantly, putting an end to the initial perception that her candidacy was virtually untouchable. Analysts note that this decline coincides with questions about her economic proposals and concerns about the…

LIBRE's presidential candidate Rixi Moncada has brought her economic reform plans and sharp criticism of the oligarchy to the forefront of the nation's political and economic discussions. These views have garnered attention from analysts and industry sectors, who caution about potential negative impacts on investment, employment growth, and the stability of the financial system.Anti-oligarchy rhetoric and investment climateMoncada's remarks criticizing business organizations and economic elites have resulted in an environment of uncertainty for both local and international investors. Sources within the private sector indicate that the ambiguity regarding the candidate's specific policies has caused the suspension of multiple important projects,…