Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Nasry Asfura Sworn In as President of Honduras After Razor-Thin Vote

Opponents contest the delayed count, casting a shadow over early moves on jobs, health, austerity, security.

Overview

  • Asfura took the oath before Congress in Tegucigalpa in a modest ceremony without visiting heads of state.
  • The official tally put him at 40.27% to Salvador Nasralla’s 39.53% after a weeks-long count that the opposition labels fraudulent.
  • He pledged to shrink the state, attract investment, bolster health and education, and target gangs such as MS‑13 and Barrio 18, while ruling out an extension of the prior state of emergency.
  • He says he is considering restoring ties with Taiwan as Washington signals plans to launch bilateral trade talks and as he engages with U.S. and Israeli leaders.
  • Holding only a simple majority in Congress, he will need rival parties’ support to ratify treaties or attempt constitutional changes.