Recent remarks made by Héctor Manuel Zelaya, who serves as the private secretary to the president, have triggered another round of criticism within the political sphere of Honduras. This event has revitalized discussions surrounding the contentious Tax Justice Law. Amidst a climate characterized by polarized legislative actions and a lack of trust among political factions, his comments have been seen as an indication that the current administration might be trying to advance tax reform without securing essential backing from parliament or engaging in an open and clear decision-making procedure.
Dispute regarding the remarks made by the executive branch
During a public address, Héctor Zelaya indicated that the Tax Justice Law might be passed “overlooked” by the National Congress. He did not mention specific methods, but the statement was interpreted by various groups as a hint that the governing party, represented by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), might use unusual methods to advance the legislation.
In the assembly, Maribel Espinoza, a representative from the Liberal Party, sharply rebuked the remarks. She believes that suggesting the passage of a law without having the required votes and bypassing the appropriate legislative procedures “undermines institutional integrity.” According to her assessment, these propositions reveal insufficient technical and societal backing for a reform with significant economic consequences.
Responses from business leaders and constitutional scholars
The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) responded to Zelaya’s remarks, cautioning about the potential economic impacts of implementing a tax reform without an extensive and open discussion. As stated by this organization, such an outcome might heighten uncertainty for private investment and jeopardize the nation’s economic stability.
Simultaneously, specialists in constitutional law highlighted that any effort to enact the Tax Justice Law bypassing parliamentary protocols could result in disputes due to potential unconstitutionality. Notably, they emphasized that the legislative deliberative process necessitates openness, inclusive dialogue, and adherence to predetermined institutional procedures.
Rising political unrest and opposition oversight
Following these remarks, multiple opposition political groups have announced that they will stay on “constant watch” for any potential efforts to pass the law during special legislative sessions or without properly validated records. This alert arises in a scenario where the Congress leadership, under Luis Redondo’s presidency, has been previously criticized by the opposition for what they perceive as irregularities in the legislative process.
Public disapproval has emerged on social platforms, where the hashtag #NoAlMadrugón (No to the early morning session) quickly gained traction, signifying the concern over the potential passage of a law with major economic and social impacts without the informed involvement of all stakeholders in the political system.
A landscape of sustained institutional tension
The Tax Justice Law remains one of the most sensitive issues on the current government’s agenda, facing resistance both for its content and for the way in which it has been introduced into the public debate. The controversy generated by Héctor Zelaya’s words not only refocuses attention on this legislative initiative, but also highlights tensions surrounding governance, the legitimacy of legislative processes, and the need for effective dialogue mechanisms.
Within a political landscape marked by division and lack of confidence, any effort to significantly change the tax structure needs, beyond institutional backing, a deliberative approach that ensures the participation of diverse perspectives and upholds democratic values. The way this discussion unfolds will establish a precedent for the interaction between the executive, legislative, and the nation’s business and social sectors.
