Honduras is a presidential republic. Administrative division – 18 departments and 298 municipal districts. The largest cities (thousand people): San Pedro Sula (359), La Ceiba (83), Puerto Cortes (33). Check diseaseslearning for political system of Honduras.
The 1965 Constitution is in force. The head of state is the president, who is elected by a simple majority of votes by direct, universal and secret suffrage for a term of 4 years (without the right to re-election for a second term). Since November 25, 2001 President Ricardo Maduro Hoest (National Party).
Legislative power is vested in the National Congress (NC, unicameral parliament), whose 128 deputies are elected by universal direct and secret suffrage on a proportional basis for a term of 4 years.
A multi-party system has developed in the country, the largest political parties are:
The National Party (NP), the ruling, formerly Conservative Party, was founded in 1891 and expresses the interests of large landowners and the clergy; has 60 seats in NK;
The Liberal Party of Honduras (LPG), founded in 1891, expresses the interests of commercial and industrial circles; has 54 seats in NK;
Socialist Party (SP) – established in 1979;
Christian Democratic Party (CDP) – founded in 1977.
Trade union associations: Confederation of Workers of Honduras, National Association of Peasants of Honduras, Unitary Federation of Workers of Honduras, Central Federation of Free Trade Unions of Honduras.
The basis of the foreign policy of the government is the line on finding a “worthy” place for their country in the new political and economic realities, strengthening regional and international peace, developing comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation with all states. In practical terms, the Hondurans proceed from the specific pragmatic interests of the country, primarily in the monetary and financial sphere, in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international assistance to eliminate the consequences of Hurricane Mitch and other natural disasters.
The traditional reference point in the foreign policy of Honduras is the United States. In exchange for financial, economic and political assistance, Honduras unconditionally supported the course of the United States both at the regional level and within the framework of international organizations. However, in recent years there has been a cautious departure from this position: in 2002, diplomatic relations with Cuba were restored, and an opinion is expressed about the inadmissibility of continuing the policy of isolation and embargo against this country.
Sub-regional issues continue to occupy an important place in foreign policy. Honduras seeks to pursue a policy of building relations in Central America on the basis of an equal and mutually beneficial partnership, strengthening democratic regimes here, and approving the concept of sustainable development. Being an active supporter of the integration processes in Central America, Honduras was one of the first to ratify the “Protocol of Tegucigalpa” on the creation of the Central American Integration System (CAIS), and is actively pursuing the strengthening of the role of the Central American Parliament.
The Honduran government pays great attention to strengthening ties with major Latin American states, in particular with Mexico and Venezuela. Together with Guatemala and El Salvador, Honduras signed in 1999 the Free Trade Agreement between these countries and Mexico (not yet ratified).
Contacts are actively developing with the countries of Western Europe (France, Spain, Germany, Sweden), Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. At the same time, the emphasis is on developing ties with those countries that can provide assistance or become profitable economic partners for Honduras.
On major international issues, in particular in the UN, Honduras adheres to a common line with the countries of Central America. Participates in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) as an observer. In 2000, Honduras became a full member of the Rio Group.
Diplomatic relations between Honduras and the USSR were established on September 30, 1990; on January 3, 1992, the government of Honduras recognized the Russian Federation as the successor state of the USSR. Since 1993, concurrent ambassadors have been accredited in both countries – the Russian ambassador to Nicaragua and the Honduras ambassador to France. In 1995, Fredi Antonio Nasser Selman, a prominent local businessman, was appointed Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Honduras.
To date, Russian-Honduran ties have received a certain development. A political dialogue is underway on topical international issues and Central American problems, and contacts are being maintained at the UN.
