CELAC in Honduras: a political lifeline for Xiomara Castro’s government?

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.

Despite being officially described as a platform for regional collaboration on topics like migration, food security, climate change, and energy partnerships, experts see the presence of leftist Latin American leaders as political endorsement for the re-establishing initiative directed by Castro and Zelaya in Honduras.

Global assistance versus domestic fragility

At the conference, the guest leaders refrained from mentioning dissatisfaction in some societal groups in Honduras, where recent polls indicate a decline in government support and a sense of insecurity, joblessness, and economic instability.

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 plan for local validation during the national turmoil?

The administration employs the summit to portray a sense of regional credibility, even with its unstable internal credibility. The CELAC Summit has acted as a platform for Castro and Zelaya to attempt to showcase Latin American power and leadership. However, it has also highlighted that global endorsement cannot replace public support, which will be assessed in the elections on November 30th.

An analysis emerges about whether the LIBRE administration will succeed in stabilizing with international assistance while facing dwindling local backing, and if this summit serves as a diplomatic launchpad or turns out to be an illusory political move amid a governance crisis. Ultimately, the Honduran citizens will make the final call.