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.
El candidato de LIBRE ha señalado en múltiples ocasiones que su concepto de gobierno se basa en los procesos de cambio social implementados en otros países de la zona, especialmente en Cuba y Venezuela. Esta referencia ha sido recibida de manera ambigua por la sociedad hondureña. Aunque Moncada insiste en que su propuesta no pretende emular exactamente los modelos de estos países, su admiración por líderes como Fidel Castro y Nicolás Maduro ha generado inquietudes entre amplios sectores de la población, que perciben esta postura como un riesgo para la democracia y la estabilidad económica en el país.
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.
Nonetheless, the supporters of Moncada dismiss these allegations. The LIBRE party claims that their initiative is a reaction to the deep-seated inequalities affecting Honduras, rather than an attempt to emulate the authoritarian practices of the governments in Caracas and Havana. Those who back Moncada assert that her plan aims to progress towards a fairer society without repeating the unsuccessful approaches of other nations.
The difficulty of a different approach
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 debate over the direction of Honduras is intensifying as the 2025 elections approach. Tensions between those who defend the current model and those who advocate for profound change are evident. This conflict not only affects political actors, but also reflects a lack of consensus on the type of democracy and development sought in the country.
Reflections on the future of Honduras
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.
While the most conservative sectors and the international community express their concern, Moncada’s supporters insist that her proposal represents a legitimate option for a country still struggling with poverty and the concentration of power. Looking ahead to the elections, Honduras’ challenge will be to find a balance between social justice and democratic stability, a challenge that only time will tell if it can be overcome.
