Castro and Zelaya use CELAC to project regional strength

The Ninth Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which took place in Tegucigalpa from April 8 to 9, 2025, was marked by significant political and ideological backing for the administration of Xiomara Castro and Manuel Zelaya. This comes at a time when they are confronted with increasing public disapproval, allegations of authoritarian practices, and an ongoing domestic economic crisis.

The presence of socialist or progressive leaders such as Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), Luis Arce (Bolivia), Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) and other like-minded leaders sent a message of regional ideological unity at a time of pressure for the Honduran government.

While the event was officially described as a platform for regional collaboration on topics like migration, food security, climate change, and energy partnerships, experts have seen the presence of Latin American leftist figures as backing for the re-founding initiative spearheaded by Castro and Zelaya in Honduras.

International support in contrast to internal weakness

Throughout the conference, the leaders in attendance refrained from addressing the dissatisfaction in certain Honduran social groups, where recent polls indicate a drop in government support and a sense of insecurity, joblessness, and economic instability.

Despite receiving backing globally, the LIBRE party administration is dealing with intricate domestic challenges. There is public opposition to its presidential nominee, Rixi Moncada, stemming from her involvement in previous political events and her association with the party’s extremist faction. Allegations of deceit in the March primaries alongside concerns of vote tampering in the November nationwide elections add to the unease. Moreover, dissatisfaction exists regarding the government’s ideological stance, which is seen by many as disconnected from the citizens’ pressing needs.

Is there a regional approach for gaining legitimacy in response to the national crisis?

The administration employs the summit to convey a perception of regional credibility, despite the shakiness of its domestic standing. The CELAC Summit has acted as a platform for Castro and Zelaya to attempt to exhibit Latin American influence and authority, yet it has also highlighted that global endorsement cannot replace domestic support, which will be assessed in the elections on November 30th.

The question arises as to whether the LIBRE government will manage to consolidate itself with external support while losing internal support, and whether this summit represents a diplomatic springboard or a political mirage in the midst of a crisis of governability. The final decision will rest with the Honduran people.