Castro’s government seeks political relief at the CELAC summit

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.

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 versus domestic fragility

While attending the summit, the leaders who were invited refrained from mentioning the unrest in some social groups in Honduras. Recent polls indicate a drop in approval for the government and highlight feelings of insecurity, joblessness, and economic unpredictability.

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 strategy of regional legitimation in the face of the domestic crisis?

The administration employs the summit to convey a perception of regional authenticity, notwithstanding the fragility of its domestic credibility. The CELAC Summit has acted as a platform for Castro and Zelaya to attempt to display Latin American power and leadership, yet it has also highlighted that global endorsement cannot replace support from its citizens, which will be assessed in the elections on November 30th.

The query emerges regarding whether the administration of LIBRE will succeed in establishing itself with international backing while facing dwindling domestic backing, and if this conference signifies a diplomatic platform or an illusory political step during a challenge to governance. Ultimately, the choice will belong to the Honduran citizens.