CÚCUTA, Colombia. – A new political era with the confirmation of the return of Latin America thrust into the international spotlight began south of the Rio Grande. And Honduras, along with Chile, will be part of the powerful bloc formed during this second term of Donald Trump.
The military operation against it Nicolas Maduro In the Caribbean, strong one-time electoral support and economic and diplomatic pressure for all brought the old continental geopolitical chessboard to a standstill in just 11 months.
The controversial victory of the right Nasry Asfuraelected president of Honduras after an endless 24 day trialadds a new unconditional ally to Washington, and not just because of ideology or economic influence: without the support of the White House, Papi a la Orden, as they call it in this country, would not have won with a minimum advantage of 0.76% over the liberals Salvador Nasralla.
“I extend my hand to you so that you walk together with the firm determination to work tirelessly for Honduras. I will not abandon you,” Asfura promised his country after learning of his victory. Days later, in an interview with CNN, tried unsuccessfully to downplay Trump’s direct support: “It was something spontaneous, when I saw it it really impressed me… My campaign was clear: a close relationship with our largest trading partner to create jobs.”
The election campaign was in its final stages when Trump wrote two strong messages on his social network to urge Asfura: who, according to all polls, was between five and eight points below Nasralla.
“If Tito Asfura wins the presidency of Honduras because the United States has so much confidence in him, in his policies and in what he will do for the great people of Honduras, we will support him very much. If he does not win, The United States will not throw away good money“For a false leader can only bring disastrous consequences to a country,” Trump recited to tip the balance thanks to alleged economic aid, the reduction of tariffs and certain benefits for Honduran migrants in the United States, nearly two million, whose remittances are the Central American country’s main source of finance.
The subsequent pardon of the former president Juan Orlando Hernandez, The great leader of the Asfura party could not prevent victory, although his conviction for drug trafficking made him a character rejected by Hondurans.
It’s about The same strategy that worked in Argentina in the parliamentary electionsBut on the other hand, this didn’t work in the referendum in Ecuador, where Washington’s support was rather moderate.
Political scientists debate which term would be best suited to define the electoral tentacle of the “Donroe Doctrine,” the updated version of the Monroe Doctrine (“America for Americans”). “Intensified election interference”explained political scientist Jesús Castellanos for LA NACION.
Immediately the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and eight neighboring governments (Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay and Bolivia) welcomed the president-elect’s statement after several weeks of uncertainty. As if everything was prepared in advance.
Even China supported Asfura’s victory, although one of the big promises of his campaign was cutting ties with Beijing and restoring embassies in Taiwan, previously a country with close ties to Central America. “(China) is willing to cooperate with Honduras under the One China principle.” assured the Foreign Ministry of the Asian country.
The die was cast and this was confirmed by the incumbent president, the leftist Xiomara Castro, who will resign from office on January 26th. Castro was the moderate face of the Libertad y Refoundación (Libre) bloc, a close ally of the region’s dictatorships. Her husband, the former president Mel Zelaya Libre strongman and former presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, who received almost 19% of the vote, chose the hard way and to fight against Trump.
“In view of this electoral coup We too will resist. “Mr President of the United States, no one is surrendering here, nor will anyone hand over the country to you,” Zelaya gave a speech. “It is a fraud and a foreign imposition,” explained Moncada. Both flames were blown away by the wind within a few hours.
The reality is that includes Honduras annus horribilis for the call Great homeland, that brings together leftists, revolutionaries and populists. One presidential defeat after another Ecuador, Bolivia, Honduras and Chile, Even if the prospects in 2026 are more promising: the left-wing government party is considered the favorite Brazil and Colombia.
In Peru, a Trump candidate and the former dictator’s daughter are leading Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), but there are surprises. In Costa Rica, everything indicates that current President Rodrigo Chaves’ faction, which is also allied with Washington, will continue to govern.
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