In Honduras, the National Party's "criminal organization" returns to power amid protests.

247 - Honduras woke up this Wednesday (28) amidst protests and demonstrations of popular rejection as the inauguration of a new government widely questioned by various sectors of society was consolidated. The mobilizations occurred in response to what social organizations classify as an electoral process marked by illegalities and lack of legitimacy.

Earlier in the day, members of the National Front of Popular Resistance and peasant organizations took to the streets of Comayagüela, in the country's Central District. The demonstration brought together hundreds of protesters in repudiation of the de facto government that assumed power on January 27, amid accusations of imposition and electoral fraud.

“What we are rejecting is the imposition of a government that was not elected by the people. A government that is the product of a scandalous electoral fraud, in which the votes for president and for mayors were not fully counted,” stated Tomás Andino, representative of the National Front of Popular Resistance.

Peasant representative Alba Ochoa also harshly criticized the new government. "We call for struggle against a government installed by Yankee imperialism, by the miserable Honduran oligarchy, and by a minority of our nation's voters," she declared.

While protests filled the streets, Nasry Asfura's inauguration ceremony was taking place behind closed doors in the National Congress. The event was held without the presence of the public, international guests, or even supporters of the National Party. The inauguration occurred despite Asfura facing a corruption trial related to the embezzlement of over one million dollars during his tenure as mayor of the Central District.

In his speech, Asfura highlighted decentralization as the cornerstone of his administration. "Decentralization is important for governance. Decentralization and working with the 298 mayors, without distinction of political affiliation," stated the president-imposed on the government of Honduras.

Former President Xiomara Castro wished success to the incoming government led by Asfura and stated her hope for the continuation of projects that have benefited historically excluded sectors. "I want to wish Tito Asfura good luck. We hope that Honduras will continue with this growth project for the country. That is what all Hondurans want, for what is best for Honduras," she said.

During the demonstrations, young activists stated they were tired of political impositions and denounced what they call a new version of the Monroe Doctrine. According to them, political control of the country is coming from abroad, and not from the popular will.

“We are tired of being told how Honduras should live. We are fed up with policies of fear, terror, militarization, exclusion, racism, and patriarchy,” declared Bertha Zúñiga, general coordinator of the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (Copinh).

Along the same lines, Meicke Bonilla, representative of the National Front of Popular Resistance, warned of the advance of external interests in the region. "Unfortunately, a Monroe Doctrine 2.0 is coming, in which we see the President of the United States positioning his followers geopolitically in Latin America to facilitate the path of extractivism," he stated.

The new government begins its term amidst strong questioning and popular rejection. Social organizations have stated that they will remain mobilized and present in the streets, rejecting an administration that, according to broad sectors of the population, is considered illegitimate. Learn more details in the report by teleSUR journalist Karim Duarte: