Parallel Congress in Honduras: key points of the current conflict

In a situation of increasing division within institutions, the president of the Honduran National Congress, Luis Redondo, suggested the potential removal of opposition deputies and the creation of an alternative legislative body if the stalemate on the government’s proposals continues. These remarks, delivered during a chamber session, triggered a surge of negative responses from opposition parties and different political and legal circles in the country.

Redondo claims legislative obstruction and warns of exceptional actions

Luis Redondo, who leads the legislature and is part of the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party, shared his frustration with what he sees as persistent hindrance by the opposition regarding proposals supported by his party. “We cannot permit a small group to hinder the wishes of the populace,” he declared, noting that “decisive actions” will be implemented to secure the operation of Congress.

In his address, Redondo challenged the function of the factions against the government and proposed that one potential remedy could be to “clean up” the legislative body. While he did not detail any legal or procedural steps, his statement hinted at forming an alternative Congress if existing circumstances prevent the parliamentary agenda of the executive branch from advancing.

Dissent criticizes effort to centralize authority

The National Party, Liberal Party, Salvadoran Party of Honduras (PSH), and other non-government blocs reacted immediately, describing the statements as an attempt at a “legislative coup” aimed at centralizing power in favor of the executive branch. Congressman Tomás Zambrano accused Redondo of acting with authoritarianism: “This is a desperate attempt to consolidate absolute power in the hands of LIBRE. We will not allow it,” he said.

Along similar lines, the constitutional lawyer Juan Carlos Barrientos cautioned about the unlawful nature of any effort to establish an alternative legislative assembly, pointing out that such an action would breach the core principles of the rule of law. According to him, this danger jeopardizes the institutional balances protected by the Honduran Constitution and has the potential to trigger a significant institutional crisis.

Parliamentary disputes and appeals for global oversight

The alert from Redondo adds to a succession of recent events that have intensified the political environment in the National Congress. This involves passing regulations without validating the associated minutes and employing dubious legislative procedures, including improperly called sessions. Among the pivotal topics has been the advancement of the Tax Justice Law, which has faced opposition from multiple economic and political groups due to its nature and content.

Political experts observe a transition toward a confrontational approach by the ruling party, aiming to alienate the opposition ahead of the general election. They caution that this trend might result in institutional unrest, beyond the legal frameworks established in the Constitution.

In light of this scenario, numerous political and social stakeholders have called for the involvement or vigilant observation of international bodies like the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations (UN), and diplomatic missions. A coalition of legal experts expressed in a shared declaration that what is on the line is not merely the ratification of a law, but the genuine preservation of the division of powers and the democratic framework.

A Contested Parliament and the Issue of Institutionalization

The statements by the president of the legislature open a new chapter in the complex relationship between the ruling party and the opposition in Honduras. The threat to redefine the composition of Congress or establish a parallel body represents a turning point in the country’s political coexistence, with implications that transcend the strictly legislative sphere.

The ongoing struggle highlights the continuous issues of governance in a setting where power struggles, weak institutions, and division influence the progress of democracy. Within this framework, the significance of constitutional oversight and public monitoring emerge as crucial components in maintaining equilibrium between political representation and adherence to the rule of law.