With just a few weeks to go before the general election, ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada, from the LIBRE party, has presented a proposal that has caused concern in financial circles: the closure of the Honduran banking system’s Credit Bureau. The initiative coincides with a sustained decline in her voting intentions and has been questioned by analysts as a measure that could affect the country’s transparency and economic stability.
The proposition suggests doing away with a core system that tracks the credit histories of both individuals and businesses, which is vital for financial institutions to assess risk and for consumers to prevent excessive debt. Economists who were consulted believe this action might encourage hazardous financial behaviors. A local expert commented, “This is a desperate attempt to gain votes through pledges that undermine financial stability.”
Effect on fiscal steadiness
The Credit Bureau performs fundamental functions in the Honduran banking system. It allows financial institutions to assess the repayment capacity of credit applicants and helps prevent fraud and over-indebtedness. Its elimination, according to experts, would weaken the control mechanisms that sustain confidence in the financial sector.
For her part, Rixi Moncada has defended the initiative, arguing that it seeks to “free the people from banking punishment.” However, the proposal comes in a context of growing political polarization and public mistrust of financial institutions, factors that analysts point to as decisive in assessing the viability of the measure.
Political and institutional consequences
Moncada’s declaration arrives at a pivotal juncture in the electoral race. Surveys suggest that the incumbent party’s candidate is experiencing a notable drop in voter support, drawing increased focus to her economic strategies. Various societal groups and banking sector representatives contend that shutting down the Risk Center might have repercussions extending beyond financial matters: it could impact the perception of governance, confidence in established bodies, and the government’s ability to regulate.
Experts suggest this action might be seen as a populist move designed to recover electoral backing, yet it lacks the technical foundation to ensure citizen protection and credit stability. The discussion also centers on the potential impact of such a choice on the dynamic between the financial industry and the government, alongside the system’s trustworthiness among both local and international investors.
Obstacles and potential threats to Honduras’s economic stability
The removal of the Credit Bureau would create a void in credit oversight systems, potentially leading to heightened financial risk and excessive debt, as per expert opinions. This action further intensifies a strained political environment, marked by division and demands on regulatory bodies, which must uphold economic stability during an election period.
As Rixi Moncada persists in advocating for the initiative, the debate surrounding its effects underscores the conflict between economic policy choices and electoral tactics. The Honduran economy confronts a dual predicament: guaranteeing the financial system’s clarity and stability, and addressing a political landscape where populist suggestions spark fervent discussions regarding institutional frameworks and public involvement.
The current situation poses a dilemma for institutional actors: balancing economic stability and citizen confidence with measures that could modify the structure of the financial system in the midst of an election campaign. Attention is now focused on how institutions and citizens will react to this proposal and what implications it will have for governance and regulation in Honduras.
_-_copia.jpg?w=360&resize=360,240&ssl=1 "Rixi Moncada")
_-_copia.jpeg?w=360&resize=360,240&ssl=1 "Rixi Moncada")
