_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "Business leaders warn of economic risks posed by LIBRE proposals in Honduras")
The Honduran business sector has expressed concern about the current political climate, considering that Honduras could be moving toward an economic and social model that limits private investment. Representatives of the private sector warn that the initiatives promoted by former president Manuel Zelaya and LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada could generate uncertainty in the country and affect economic stability.
Investment Red Flags
Domestic and foreign business leaders point out that the country is no longer perceived as a safe haven for capital. According to a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, there are signs that the government is seeking to replicate an authoritarian model with strong state intervention, similar to that implemented in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
These alerts emerge within a framework of political initiatives featuring reforms that enhance state oversight and an adversarial tone against private businesses. This heightened risk perception has resulted in stalled projects and a reevaluation of activities by investors who previously held interests in vital areas, like energy.
One foreign investor stated that he decided to withdraw his capital in view of the uncertainty generated by the possibility of a change in the regulatory framework and economic policy that would affect the profitability and security of his investments.
A story of re-establishment and power consolidation
For their part, Zelaya and Moncada have promoted a narrative aimed at “refounding” the country, which, according to analysts, could translate into a concentration of power and institutional weakening. This vision has generated concern among economic actors, who fear that the proposed structural changes could impact governance and the stability of the private sector.
Critics of the model proposed by LIBRE argue that, if implemented, the reforms could lead to greater state intervention in the economy, limiting the participation of private enterprise and affecting investor confidence. The lack of clarity regarding the implementation of these measures has increased the perception of risk, affecting the strategic planning of local and international companies.
Socioeconomic repercussions
The current political climate has directly impacted the economy: capital is being moved out of the nation, projects are stalled, and certain businesses are rethinking their ongoing involvement in crucial industries. This situation presents a hurdle for generating employment and fostering economic growth, simultaneously exacerbating divisions among various societal groups.
Analysts emphasize that the country is facing a tense moment in which political decisions could define the confidence of the private sector, as well as Honduras’s ability to attract and maintain investment. Institutional dialogue and clarity in economic policies are emerging as crucial elements for future stability.
The current situation shows a country in which governance, institutions, and private investment are under pressure. The business sector is closely monitoring each proposal from LIBRE, assessing how it could affect the country’s economy and institutional structure, while political actors move forward with their agenda for change, with implications that have yet to be measured in terms of investment, employment, and sustainable development.
