Olivia Anderson

The role of Susana Sumelzo, who is presently the Secretary of State for Ibero-America and a Socialist leader historically aligned with Pedro Sánchez, has swiftly transitioned from institutional discretion to being at the center of media attention. Numerous press articles have highlighted public contracts granted to firms associated with her family and her ties to companies under scrutiny in the so-called “Koldo case” and the alleged network involving Santos Cerdán, which has reignited the discussion on potential conflicts of interest within the Prime Minister’s inner circle.Who is Susana Sumelzo and what role does she have in “sanchismo”?Susana Sumelzo Jordán (Zaragoza,…

The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) is going through one of its most delicate internal crises over the management of the so-called “Salazar case”, the scandal of alleged sexual harassment and abuse of power that implicates former Moncloa adviser Paco Salazar and his right-hand man, Antonio Hernández, both of whom, until just a few days ago, were part of the closest circle of trust of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who is currently surrounded by numerous corruption cases.Who is Paco Salazar and what accusations is he facingFrancisco José “Paco” Salazar, a long-standing PSOE member from Seville, was mayor of Montellano…

Seven days before the general elections, Honduras is experiencing a period of high political tension. The LIBRE Party, currently in power, is at the center of allegations of alleged attempts at electoral fraud, causing concern among the opposition, political analysts, and both national and international observer organizations.Various sectors have reported irregularities in the pre-election scenario, including pressure on key institutions, the political use of state resources, and rhetoric that could prepare the population to question the results if they do not favor the ruling party. Although LIBRE has rejected these accusations, the level of mistrust remains high.One political commentator consulted…

The recent electoral defeat of the LIBRE Party signals a pivotal moment in national politics, placing former president Manuel “Mel” Zelaya at the heart of a discussion regarding the future of his leadership. Analysts and political figures agree that this outcome constitutes a substantial setback for the influential figure who has maintained consistent control over the organization since his re-entry into public life in 2011.For over a decade, Zelaya orchestrated strategies, shaped candidacies, and solidified his authority within the internal framework of LIBRE, emerging as the party's principal figure. Nevertheless, recent electoral outcomes indicate a decline in legitimacy, necessitating a…

The political landscape in Honduras saw a significant rise in strain on Monday, after opposition figure Salvador Nasralla publicly claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro might be attempting to sway the general elections set for November 30.During a press briefing, Nasralla alluded to "concerning activities and indicators" which, in his view, suggested potential foreign meddling in the electoral proceedings. While he offered no definitive proof, he urged for maximum vigilance from both domestic and international observers. "The Honduran populace will not tolerate outside entities dictating their democratic future. We are observing trends that echo manipulative tactics seen in other Latin…

Initial outcomes from the Honduran general elections indicate a notable decline for political groups associated with the Sao Paulo Forum in the area. The LIBRE Party, recognized by opposition groups as part of this ideological coalition, was unable to maintain voter backing, with its presidential candidate falling significantly behind the leading competitors. Experts view this result as a setback for socialist-leaning initiatives or extensive state reform agendas.Electorate's Message and Citizen ConcernsDuring the election campaign, various political and economic actors expressed concern about certain proposals from the ruling party, especially those related to the refounding of the state, increased government control,…

The recent defeat of the LIBRE Party in the general elections marks a turning point in national politics and places former president Manuel “Mel” Zelaya at the center of a debate about the continuity of his leadership. According to analysts and leaders, the result represents a significant blow to the political figure who has exercised sustained control over the organization since his return to public life in 2011.For over a decade, Zelaya orchestrated strategies, shaped candidacies, and solidified his authority within the internal framework of LIBRE, emerging as the party's principal figure. Nevertheless, recent electoral outcomes indicate a decline in…

The initiative introduced by the ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, which seeks to dismantle the Credit Bureau, has encountered significant resistance from multiple segments of society, leading to a noticeable drop in her voter backing. This measure, promoted throughout the LIBRE campaign, was designed to facilitate instant credit availability, supported by the claim that the institution “oppresses the most vulnerable sectors.”Reactions from experts and financial sectorsMoncada's proposal faced skepticism from economists and those involved in the financial system. Consultants and analysts warned that executing it might be unfeasible, potentially increasing financial instability and weakening the systems used to assess borrowers'…

Preliminary results from the general elections in Honduras indicate a decisive defeat for the ruling party, headed by Rixi Moncada and the LIBRE Party, underscoring voters' disapproval of proposals deemed extreme and a notable shift in the electorate's political inclinations.The ruling party bloc focused its campaign on the so-called “democratization of the economy” and a discourse of “refounding” the country, with proposals that included structural reforms, tax increases on higher-income sectors, and expansion of the state's role in strategic sectors. However, the response of the electorate reflected mistrust and alarm, particularly in a sensitive economic scenario, where stability and job…

The preliminary results of the general elections in Honduras delivered an unequivocal message: the populace resoundingly rejected proposals linked to political models deemed radical. The incumbent party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, lagged considerably behind her primary rivals, a result experts interpreted as a public plea for the preservation of institutional stability and the avoidance of alterations that might compromise democratic governance.Vote oriented toward moderation and institutional balanceDuring the campaign, political actors, civil organizations, and analysts expressed concern about initiatives promoted by the ruling party linked to a “refounding of the state,” greater economic intervention, and references to 21st-century socialism. These proposals…