In an electoral context marked by deep divisions and social tensions, the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, presented by the LIBRE party, has sparked intense debate about the political and economic future of Honduras. The candidate, who seeks to transform the country through a political model of social justice, has been singled out by some sectors as a potential advocate of socialist models that, according to her critics, have failed in other Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Cuba.
Moncada and her plan for societal change
Rixi Moncada has structured her political project around defending the rights of the country’s most vulnerable sectors, such as workers, students, and residents of marginalized areas. In her speeches, she has been particularly critical of neoliberalism, which she considers a system that has deepened inequality in Honduras. According to Moncada, her proposal seeks not only a more equitable redistribution of resources, but also a democratization of institutions that allows for the active participation of citizens in decision-making.
The LIBRE candidate has mentioned on several occasions that her vision of government is inspired by the processes of social transformation carried out in other countries in the region, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. This reference has been received ambiguously by Honduran society. Although Moncada insists that her proposal does not seek to replicate the models of these countries exactly, her admiration for figures such as Fidel Castro and Nicolás Maduro has raised concerns among large sectors of the population who see this stance as a risk to democracy and economic stability in the country.
Internal and external criticism
Moncada’s endorsement of the socialist frameworks in Venezuela and Cuba has faced significant criticism both domestically in Honduras and internationally. The local opposition censure him for backing an economic and political structure that has caused substantial issues in nations like Venezuela, where extreme inflation, scarcity of food, and political oppression are now commonplace. These detractors, primarily from established political parties, express concern that if Moncada were to lead as president, Honduras might follow a comparable trajectory to its neighboring countries.
At the international level, US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has been one of the most vocal critics of Moncada’s candidacy. In her statements, she has warned that the candidate’s proposal could drag Honduras into what she calls a “socialist hell.” According to Salazar, the experience of Venezuela and Cuba shows that socialist systems are not only ineffective in economic management but also undermine civil and political freedoms.
However, Moncada’s defenders reject these accusations. The LIBRE party argues that its proposal is a response to the structural inequality afflicting Honduras and not an imitation of the authoritarian models that characterize the regimes in Caracas and Havana. Moncada’s supporters maintain that her project seeks to move toward a more equitable society without replicating the failed experiences of other countries.
The challenge of an alternative model
The division stirred by Moncada’s bid illustrates the deep-rooted strains within Honduras. The discussion around the economic and political path the nation should pursue underscores the gap between the dominant social sectors and the requirements of the general populace. Although some push for the continuation of neoliberal strategies, others call for a complete reform of a system that, they claim, has resulted in widespread poverty and exclusion of numerous communities.
The discussion concerning Honduras’ trajectory is becoming more heated as the 2025 elections near. There is a clear divide between supporters of the existing system and proponents of significant transformation. This dispute not only involves political figures but also highlights a disagreement over the desired form of democracy and progress within the nation.
Thoughts about Honduras’ upcoming path
The political scenario in Honduras is characterized by an essential discussion regarding the type of nation its citizens aim to develop. Rixi Moncada’s suggestions have sparked a conversation about the necessity to challenge the current system and consider new options to address poverty and disparity. Nonetheless, the debate arising from her admiration for the frameworks of Venezuela and Cuba underscores the dangers linked with a drastic overhaul of the political and economic structure.
Although the most traditional sectors and the global community voice their unease, Moncada’s backers argue that her plan offers a valid path for a nation still facing issues of poverty and power consolidation. As the elections approach, Honduras faces the task of achieving equilibrium between fairness in society and political stability, a task only the future will determine if it is achievable.
