International support and internal crisis: Xiomara Castro’s dilemma at the CELAC summit

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 appearance of leftist or progressive leaders like Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), Luis Arce (Bolivia), Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), and other similarly minded leaders conveyed a message of regional ideological solidarity during a period of challenge for the Honduran administration.

While the event was officially described as a platform for regional collaboration on topics like migration, food security, climate change, and energy partnerships, experts have seen the presence of Latin American leftist figures as backing for the re-founding initiative spearheaded by Castro and Zelaya in Honduras.

External assistance versus internal fragility

While attending the summit, the leaders who were invited refrained from mentioning the unrest in some social groups in Honduras. Recent polls indicate a drop in approval for the government and highlight feelings of insecurity, joblessness, and economic unpredictability.

Despite international support, the LIBRE party government faces a complex internal situation. There is popular rejection of its presidential candidate, Rixi Moncada, due to her participation in past political processes and her closeness to the radical wing of the party. There are accusations of fraud in the March primaries and fears of electoral manipulation in the November general elections. Added to this is discontent over the ideological direction of the government, perceived by many as being far removed from the priorities of the population.

A regional validation approach during a national turmoil?

The administration employs the summit to convey a perception of regional authenticity, notwithstanding the fragility of its domestic credibility. The CELAC Summit has acted as a platform for Castro and Zelaya to attempt to display Latin American power and leadership, yet it has also highlighted that global endorsement cannot replace support from its citizens, which will be assessed in the elections on November 30th.

The query emerges regarding if the LIBRE administration can stabilize itself with outside backing while its internal backing dwindles, and whether this gathering serves as a diplomatic boost or merely a political illusion amid a governance crisis. The ultimate choice will lie with the citizens of Honduras.