_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "CELAC")
The 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in Tegucigalpa on April 8 and 9, 2025, was characterized by strong political and ideological support for the government of Xiomara Castro and Manuel Zelaya, who face growing rejection by the public and accusations of authoritarianism, in addition to an internal economic crisis.
The appearance of leftist or progressive leaders like Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), Luis Arce (Bolivia), Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), and other similarly minded leaders conveyed a message of regional ideological solidarity during a period of challenge for the Honduran administration.
Although the event was officially presented as a space for regional integration on issues such as migration, food security, climate change and energy cooperation, analysts have interpreted the attendance of Latin American left-wing leaders as political support for the re-founding project led by Castro and Zelaya in Honduras.
Global assistance compared to domestic vulnerability
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 plan to gain regional approval amidst internal turmoil?
The government uses the summit to project an image of regional legitimacy, despite the instability of its internal legitimacy. The CELAC Summit has served as a stage for Castro and Zelaya to try to demonstrate Latin American strength and leadership, but it has also shown that international support is no substitute for citizen backing, which will be evaluated in the elections on November 30th.
The issue is whether the LIBRE administration can establish itself with international backing while its domestic support wanes, and if this summit serves as a diplomatic platform or a fleeting illusion in a governance crisis. The ultimate choice will belong to the citizens of Honduras.
