Honduras Politics News

A lawmaker has proposed forgiving Fundaniquem's electricity debt of L 5.46 million (about $218,000), saying the country's only specialized burn-rehabilitation center for children should not bear arrears left by past administrations.

Honduras's Congress unanimously approved a resolution committing to greater transparency, including salary deductions for unexcused absences, restrictions on members of Congress handling social-aid funds, and permanent accreditation for civil-society monitors from groups like the ASJ and CNA to observe legislative sessions.

President Nasry Asfura outlined a broad set of government measures including a nationwide smart-meter rollout to cut ENEE losses, debt-relief legislation for electricity customers, drought aid for up to 90 municipalities, higher municipal transfers, and over L 1.1 billion (roughly $44 million) in flood-mitigation works.

Congressional Secretary Carlos Ledezma delivered all impeachment records to the Public Prosecutor's office, which will decide whether to formally charge the five officials — including former Attorney General Johel Zelaya and two electoral tribunal members — removed from office in Honduras's first-ever impeachment proceedings earlier this year.

At a press conference, President Nasry Asfura said his administration is working to cut losses at the state power utility ENEE, while revealing that the US government is funding a feasibility study for an interoceanic corridor and dry port between Puerto Cortés and La Barca.

Congress approved penal code changes on May 18 that formally classify gangs and drug-trafficking networks as terrorist associations, but legal experts and human-rights groups warn the expanded, vague wording could be used against protesters and social movements.

Attorney General Johel Zelaya removed Luis Javier Santos from leading the anti-corruption unit Uferco, reassigning him to a training school, a move former prosecutors warn weakens Honduras's fight against corruption and may serve political interests.

Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina delivered a formal request to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to establish the CICIH, an independent anti-corruption commission the Castro government hopes to have operating before June 2022.

An investigation found that Honduras's Armed Forces disbursed over L4.1 billion through 51 direct procurement contracts during the pandemic while a military-linked firm with a history of price-gouging received medicine orders and a general was appointed to oversee a corruption-plagued pandemic fund.