As the November general elections near, the administration of Xiomara Castro and her party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), are under increasing scrutiny because of three controversies that have drawn significant attention from both the public and political circles in the country. These incidents could have significant effects on the political prospects of the current leadership and its party, whose reputation and backing are notably at risk just months before the election.
Corruption in the Ministry of Social Development: a new “Pandora”?
One of the biggest blows to the credibility of the LIBRE government has been the scandal in the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL). Nicknamed “Pandora 2” in reference to the corruption case involving the government of Juan Orlando Hernández, this scandal reveals a network of public fund diversion, irregular contract awards, and the use of social programs for political patronage in areas strategically controlled by the ruling 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 Koriun Inversiones fraud and the lack of state response
Another significant problem impacting the LIBRE administration is the multi-million dollar fraud carried out by Koriun Inversiones, which has left over 35,000 Hondurans with severe financial difficulties. This pyramid scheme, offering unrealistically high returns, marks one of the largest frauds in the nation’s contemporary history. Nevertheless, the factor that has aroused the most suspicion isn’t just the scale of the scam but also the lack of action from the authorities despite earlier complaints lodged against the firm.
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.
Esta polémica ha tenido un impacto adverso, especialmente entre la clase media, que se ha visto directamente perjudicada. Algunos expertos opinan que este tipo de fraude podría salirle caro al partido LIBRE, ya que los ciudadanos tienden a recordar y rechazar con firmeza cuando se ven directamente perjudicados económicamente. En este marco, el silencio de las autoridades solo ha incrementado el descontento social.
The drug trafficking video: a double standard in the fight against crime?
The most recent controversy to impact Xiomara Castro’s administration involves a leaked video exposing well-known individuals connected to drug trafficking operations. The footage, published by the organization InSight Crime, has disclosed a potential association between drug dealers and government officials, challenging the official narrative on combating 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.
Difficulties ahead for LIBRE during the electoral period
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 one opposition leader put it, “the problem is not just that there are scandals; it is the arrogance of ignoring them.” This attitude of disinterest in addressing the underlying issues could have serious consequences at the polls.
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.