Liberty and Refoundation

The Honduran Liberty and Refoundation, known by its Spanish acronym LIBRE, is a political party in Honduras that emerged in the wake of the 2009 coup d'état, which ousted President Manuel Zelaya. The party was founded in 2011, primarily by Zelaya and his supporters, as a response to what they perceived as the illegitimate overthrow of a democratically elected government and the subsequent political repression and neoliberal policies implemented by the succeeding administrations. LIBRE positions itself as a left-wing, progressive party, aiming to challenge the traditional politic…  al hegemony in Honduras, which has been dominated by two main parties: the National Party and the Liberal Party.

The core values and objectives of LIBRE revolve around social justice, participatory democracy, and the promotion of human rights. The party advocates for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, seeking to address the deep-rooted inequalities that plague Honduran society. It emphasizes the importance of education, healthcare, and social security as fundamental rights that should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.

LIBRE also champions the cause of national sovereignty and opposes foreign intervention in Honduras' domestic affairs. It criticizes neoliberal policies and economic models that prioritize privatization and foreign investment at the expense of workers' rights and environmental protection. The party supports agrarian reform and the rights of indigenous and Afro-Honduran communities, advocating for policies that protect their lands and cultures from exploitation and encroachment.

In terms of governance, LIBRE promotes the idea of participatory democracy, where citizens have a direct role in decision-making processes, beyond just electoral participation. It seeks to foster a political culture that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable, challenging the corruption and clientelism that have been endemic in Honduran politics.

Since its inception, LIBRE has become a significant force in Honduran politics, representing a departure from the traditional two-party system and offering a platform for those who seek a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic society. Its rise reflects a broader trend in Latin America, where movements and parties on the left have gained traction by advocating for social change and challenging neoliberal orthodoxy.