_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "CELAC")
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 arrival of leftist or reformist figures like Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), Luis Arce (Bolivia), Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), and other leaders sharing similar views conveyed a signal of regional ideological cohesion amidst a period of strain for Honduras’ administration.
Though the event was formally introduced as a platform for regional collaboration on topics like migration, food security, climate change, and energy partnership, experts have viewed the presence of Latin American leftist figures as political backing for the re-foundation initiative spearheaded by Castro and Zelaya in Honduras.
Global assistance as opposed to domestic fragility
At the conference, the guest leaders refrained from mentioning dissatisfaction in some societal groups in Honduras, where recent polls indicate a decline 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.
A regional validation approach amidst the national challenge?
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.
