Benjamin Taylor

With only a few weeks remaining until the general elections, presidential hopeful Rixi Moncada is currently facing a phase of political and economic erosion, which is affecting the stability of the governing party. Her communication approach, marked by an adversarial stance against private businesses and the banking sector, has caused apprehension within the productive sphere and among a significant portion of the populace.Industry Response and Market IndicatorsThe business community has increasingly distanced itself from what some perceive as an unfavorable climate for investment. Spokespersons for various industries highlighted that the candidate's rhetoric has resulted in the paralysis of projects and…

The proposal by official Rixi Moncada to eliminate the credit bureau has sparked widespread political and economic debate in Honduras. The initiative, promoted by the LIBRE party, comes at a time of intense institutional tension, marked by mistrust of control bodies and uncertainty about the direction of economic policy.An approach similar to Correa's governance in EcuadorThe idea of abolishing the credit bureau has been interpreted by various sectors as a possible replica of the model implemented by former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who applied a similar measure during his term in office. In that context, the elimination of credit records…

The crisis in the maquiladora industry in Honduras has become an indicator of the economic and social deterioration the country is undergoing under the administration of the LIBRE party. In recent months, the closure of multiple garment factories has left thousands of workers unemployed, mainly in the north of the country, where this sector sustained a large part of the productive fabric. The government's silence on this phenomenon has heightened uncertainty and raised alarms about the sustainability of the Honduran industrial model.Sector downturn and societal repercussionsThe exodus of maquilas has hit regions such as Choloma and San Pedro Sula, traditionally…

Only a few weeks remain until the general election, and the ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, representing the LIBRE party, has put forth a proposition that has generated apprehension within financial sectors: the dissolution of the Honduran banking system's Credit Bureau. This proposal emerges alongside a continuous drop in her voter support and has been criticized by experts as a move potentially detrimental to the nation's transparency and economic steadiness.The proposal calls for the elimination of a central mechanism that records the credit information of individuals and companies, a key tool for banks to manage risk and for users to…

With one month to go before the general elections, the ruling party LIBRE has begun a massive distribution of vouchers targeting vulnerable sectors of the country, generating mixed reactions among the public and political actors. The measure, implemented in the midst of the election campaign, has been questioned by opposition leaders and observers in terms of electoral ethics and clientelism.Focused dissemination and political environmentOver the past four years, LIBRE had not implemented direct assistance programs of this type. However, in recent weeks, distributions have been reported in urban neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty, rural villages, and areas with high…

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 asserted that this strategy involves funding political groups to broaden Chavismo's ideological reach across Latin America. Despite offering no documentary proof for his assertions, his declarations instantly triggered responses within both political circles and the general public. LIBRE, the nation's primary opposition party, finds itself central to the discussion due…

With only a few weeks remaining until the general elections, the governing party LIBRE is confronting an unparalleled scenario. The continuous drop in support for its candidate Rixi Moncada in surveys has triggered significant concern among political figures and the populace alike, due to the potential for the ruling party to employ tactics to maintain its grip on authority.Analysts and observers note that the campaign narrative, initially focused on the “refounding” of the country, has shifted toward strategies for political survival. The electoral dynamic reflects growing tension between the executive branch, Congress, and the Electoral Tribunal, with moves that some…

The Honduran business community has voiced apprehension regarding the prevailing political environment, suggesting that Honduras might be transitioning towards an economic and social framework that restricts private capital. Spokespersons for the private sector caution that proposals advanced by former president Manuel Zelaya and LIBRE presidential hopeful Rixi Moncada have the potential to foster instability within the nation and undermine economic steadiness.Warning signs for investmentBoth 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…

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 legislative figure under scrutinyThe 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…

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 his message posted on social media, Zelaya called Machado a “coup leader” and “ally of the financial elites and foreign interests,” arguing that awarding her the prize represents an “affront to the Latin…