Political crisis in Honduras after revelation of family ties to drug trafficking.

The political situation in Honduras has taken an unexpected and turbulent turn following the recent revelation of a video involving Carlos Zelaya, brother-in-law of President Xiomara Castro, in a meeting with drug traffickers in 2013. This scandal has led Gabriela Castellanos, head of the National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA), to call for the president's resignation, arguing that her continued presence in office undermines the credibility of the state and perpetuates the influence of organized crime in the country's politics. Castellanos' letter, published on her social media, highlights that the drug trafficking accusations against Castro's inner circle are concerning and calls for immediate rectification. In her missive, Castellanos points out that public trust has been violated and that corruption has permeated the structures of the state. This call for resignation is based not only on the revelation of the video but also on a broader context of corruption and complicity between politicians and organized crime. The video in question, which has been analyzed by the NGO InSight Crime, shows Zelaya discussing contributions of over $500,000 for the campaign of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre). Although Zelaya has denied receiving this money and has resigned as secretary and deputy, the repercussions of this scandal continue to resonate in public opinion. President Castro, facing the crisis, has condemned any type of negotiation between drug traffickers and politicians, but her defenses have been met with skepticism by many. In this context, Castro has denounced that there is a plan to destabilize her government, accusing internal and external forces of being behind a possible "new coup." This narrative resonates in a country that has experienced episodes of political instability in the past, where accusations of corruption intertwine with the perception of a state absent in the face of crime. The situation is further complicated by the recent resignation of her nephew as Minister of Defense, which has intensified criticism and generated an atmosphere of distrust towards Castro's government. In response to the tensions, the president has decided to terminate the extradition treaty with the United States, raising concerns in the international community and highlighting the complexities of Honduran foreign policy. The president has opted for a combative discourse, urging the population to repel any attempts at destabilization, while facing growing social discontent and demands for transparency. Detractors of her government not only question her ability to govern but also point to her family's ties to drug trafficking as a sign of an administration that has failed to combat corruption. In her call for resignation, Castellanos emphasizes that the current situation not only affects the credibility of the rule of law but also poses a risk to the peace and security of the Honduran people. Social and political pressure on Castro is increasing as a climate of uncertainty and distrust in the country's institutions prevails. In this scenario, the role of the opposition, especially the National Party, becomes crucial. The revelation that several of its members are involved in legal cases for drug trafficking in the U.S. provides a context in which the debate on corruption intensifies. However, many citizens demand clear answers and decisive actions instead of mere mutual accusations between parties. The future of Xiomara Castro's presidency stands at a crossroads. While her rhetoric may emphasize resistance and confrontation against adversity, the reality is that both internal and external pressure on her administration could define the country's direction in the coming months. As protests intensify and voices demand significant changes, the need to restore trust in institutions and government becomes more critical than ever.