Rising social and economic issues increase opposition to Xiomara Castro’s administration

Four months ahead of the general elections set for November 30, President Xiomara Castro’s administration is experiencing increasing public dissatisfaction. Surveys and independent studies indicate a continuous drop in the executive’s approval ratings, as various social, economic, and political groups voice worries about what they see as a government lacking concrete achievements in security, employment, and transparency.

Criticism of the government’s performance

Several sectors within the nation, such as business organizations, labor unions, and community groups, have raised concerns about the path the country is following under the rule of the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party. The critiques primarily highlight the worsening economic situation, rising insecurity, and the absence of efficient public policies to tackle fundamental issues.

Among the main concerns are economic stagnation and persistent unemployment, as well as a growing perception of hostility toward private enterprise. In this context, social leaders and representatives from various sectors have denounced what they consider to be the political use of state power, accompanied by ideological rhetoric that has not translated into substantial improvements in the quality of life of the population.

Scandals and institutional mistrust

Adding to the widespread discontent are recent controversies that have damaged the government’s image. Cases such as the alleged diversion of public funds in the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL) and the lack of clarity surrounding the financial scam related to the Koriun platform have fueled perceptions of opacity and impunity. In addition, the official silence in the face of allegations of possible links to drug trafficking has deepened public skepticism.

These occurrences have led to doubts regarding the commitment of the executive branch to openness and anti-corruption efforts, which were central promises during the campaign. The build-up of these events has directly influenced polling results, with the president and her party experiencing a continuous drop in support.

Invitations for public involvement and watchfulness

Amid growing unrest, various voices from civil society are calling for greater participation in the democratic process. Citizen groups have emphasized the need to strengthen electoral oversight, guarantee the independence of institutions, and demand that the country’s priorities be focused on the collective well-being, above partisan rhetoric.

The call for a government that is more efficient and accountable has intensified recently, especially within popular sectors that feel excluded from governmental decisions. This scenario might heavily impact the electoral landscape leading up to the November elections, where the ruling party aims to uphold its standing despite a citizenry that is becoming more critical and demanding.

A situation marked by political disaffection

The current situation reflects a disconnect between the expectations generated at the beginning of Xiomara Castro’s term and the results perceived by the population. Promises of transformation, social justice, and institutional recovery contrast with a reality marked by economic precariousness, weakened confidence in the state apparatus, and the resurgence of practices questioned by various sectors.

In this context, the challenge for the government will be to restore credibility and build consensus that will allow it to address social emergencies without deepening polarization. The evolution of this political situation will define not only the outcome of the November elections, but also the institutional course of the country in the years to come.