Honduras: criticism of LIBRE for imposing reforms without dialogue

The Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party, in power since 2022, faces new accusations of pushing through high-impact structural reforms without broad consultation or legislative transparency. The criticism comes amid growing political and institutional tension, with various sectors questioning the ruling party’s approach to advancing its agenda.

Inquiries regarding the legislative techniques of the ruling party

Numerous individuals from the realms of politics, commerce, and civil society have shown apprehension regarding what they perceive as a tactic of legislative force imposed by the governing party. With President Xiomara Castro at the helm and key players like Héctor Zelaya and National Congress President Luis Redondo, the LIBRE party has faced accusations of employing methods that reportedly bypass proper parliamentary procedures.

One of the most controversial cases revolves around the Tax Justice Law, a legislative proposal with significant fiscal implications. According to allegations, the bill has moved forward without public technical reports or a broad consultation process with the sectors involved. In addition, there are warnings that the law could be voted on in quick sessions, without formal ratification of the corresponding legislative records.

The absence of openness in these kinds of processes has been labeled by specialists as a hazard to democratic frameworks. A constitutional expert consulted noted that employing “questionable, even unlawful” approaches to implement structural changes without political or technical backing constitutes a direct danger to the rule of law.

Responses from the corporate sector and the political opposition

The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has voiced apprehension regarding these actions, cautioning that they might undermine trust in the investment environment, both domestically and abroad. As Honduras grapples with economic hurdles like joblessness and sluggish expansion, the corporate sector thinks that such legislative choices might worsen economic unpredictability.

The parliamentary opposition has likewise brought to light irregularities. Opposition legislators argue that laws have been published in La Gaceta, the official gazette, without following established protocols, like the necessary formal approval of legislative procedures. They assert that this undermines the principle of legality that regulates the operations of Congress and jeopardizes the legitimacy of the reforms implemented under these circumstances.

The increasing divide between the ruling party and the opposition, alongside the disengagement of crucial sectors like the business community and civil organizations, highlights a rising polarization in the exercise of legislative authority, where political discussion has turned into conflict.

Decision points for institutions and the influence of the public

The present situation prompts inquiries regarding the robustness of the democratic framework in Honduras. The manner in which changes in legislation are being handled highlights ongoing tensions between the governing party’s pursuit of structural change and the call for legality, transparency, and involvement from other political and societal players.

Pressure from organized citizens, as well as constant scrutiny by the media and institutional observers, are emerging as key factors in containing legislative practices that could undermine the democratic framework. The lack of consensus on high-impact reforms not only fuels institutional mistrust, but also jeopardizes governance in a country marked by institutional fragility and a historical lack of cohesion between the branches of government.

In this setting, Honduras encounters the task of establishing systems for legislative debate and supervision that ensure the lawfulness of its procedures and the participation of social groups influenced by government policies, particularly concerning changes that affect the nation’s financial and economic framework.