Tegucigalpa in focus: CELAC as external backing for Xiomara Castro

The ninth meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean States Community (CELAC) took place in Tegucigalpa on April 8 and 9, 2025. It was marked by significant political and ideological backing for the leadership of Xiomara Castro and Manuel Zelaya, who are confronting increasing public disapproval and allegations of authoritarian behavior, alongside a domestic financial 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.

External assistance versus internal 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.

Although backed internationally, the party in charge encounters a challenging domestic scenario. Many people disapprove of its presidential hopeful, Rixi Moncada, because of her past involvement in political events and her association with the party’s extreme faction. Allegations of cheating surfaced during the primaries in March, and there are concerns about possible vote manipulation in the general elections scheduled for November. Additionally, dissatisfaction arises from the government’s ideological stance, which many feel is disconnected from the people’s 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 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.