If you’re looking for a simple name, here’s the short answer: Xiomara Castro is currently the President of Honduras. But if you’re trying to figure out who’s actually running the show or who will be sitting in the chair next week, things get a lot more complicated.
Honduras is in the middle of a massive, high-stakes political handoff. As of January 17, 2026, Castro is still the incumbent, but her term is literally days away from ending. On January 27, 2026, Nasry "Tito" Asfura is scheduled to be sworn in as the new president.
It hasn't been a smooth ride. Not even close.
The Current State of Play: Xiomara Castro’s Final Days
Xiomara Castro made history in 2022 as the first female president of Honduras. She rode in on a wave of hope, promising to dismantle the "narco-state" left behind by her predecessor, Juan Orlando Hernández. Honestly, her presidency has been a whirlwind of radical shifts, like cutting ties with Taiwan to embrace China and trying to fight corruption while navigating a divided Congress.
But right now? She’s a "lame duck" in the most literal and tense sense.
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After the November 30, 2025, general elections, the country spiraled into a bit of a tailspin. Castro’s hand-picked successor, Rixi Moncada, didn't just lose—she came in third. That’s a stinging rebuke for the ruling Libre Party. Castro has publicly called the election results a "monstrous fraud," yet just yesterday, she ordered her cabinet to begin the formal transition of power.
She's basically handing over the keys while telling everyone the locks were picked.
Meet Nasry Asfura: The President-Elect
So, who is the guy taking over? If you've spent any time in Tegucigalpa, you know him as "Papi a la Orden" (basically "Daddy at your service"). Nasry Asfura is a construction magnate and the former mayor of the capital city. He’s a heavyweight in the conservative National Party.
Asfura's win was narrow—super narrow. He grabbed about 40.27% of the vote, barely squeaking past Salvador Nasralla, who pulled 39.53%.
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- Political Stance: Right-wing, pro-business, and very cozy with Washington.
- The Trump Factor: This is the part that’s making headlines globally. Donald Trump openly endorsed Asfura just days before the election.
- The Mandate: He’s promising a return to "order" and infrastructure-led growth, but he’s walking into a house on fire.
The opposition is still screaming about irregularities. Over a million votes were initially disputed. The National Electoral Council (CNE) only officially confirmed him as the winner on Christmas Eve 2025, which felt less like a holiday gift and more like a fuse being lit for the opposition.
Why This Transition Is So Tense
You can’t talk about who is the president in Honduras without talking about the 2009 coup. That shadow hangs over everything. Xiomara Castro is the wife of Manuel Zelaya, the president who was ousted in that coup. For many in the Libre Party, losing power now feels like a repeat of history, even if it’s happening through a ballot box rather than a military plane.
The National Congress is currently a mess of decrees and counter-decrees. While the CNE recognized Asfura, the leadership of the Congress—led by Luis Redondo—actually called for a vote-by-vote recount.
Basically, you have two different branches of government arguing over whether the election was even legal while the clock ticks down to inauguration day.
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The Geopolitical Tug-of-War
Honduras is a tiny country with a huge target on its back when it comes to international interests.
- The U.S. Influence: The U.S. has been heavily involved. Marco Rubio, now a key player in the Trump administration's foreign policy, has already congratulated Asfura. The U.S. sees him as a bulwark against "narcocommunism."
- The China Question: Castro opened the door to Beijing. Will Asfura shut it? He’s been vague, but his "Western-first" rhetoric suggests a pivot back toward traditional allies, which could get messy given the massive investment deals Castro signed.
What Happens on January 27?
Traditionally, the inauguration is a massive party at the National Stadium. Asfura, true to his "man of the people" brand, has said he wants something "unostentatious" at the National Congress instead.
But don't let the "low-key" vibe fool you. Security is at an all-time high. The military, which usually stays in the barracks during transitions, is out in force. Castro has explicitly told the National Police to facilitate the transition to what she calls the "de facto" government of Asfura. It’s an incredibly awkward way to say goodbye.
Real-World Impact for You
If you're traveling to Honduras or doing business there, the "who is the president" question matters for your daily life.
- Expect Protest Disruptions: Especially in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. The Liberal Party and Libre supporters are still mobilized.
- Currency Fluctuation: The Lempira has been jittery. Investors like Asfura’s pro-market stance, but they hate instability.
- Migration Policies: A President Asfura is much more likely to sign "Safe Third Country" agreements with the U.S., which could drastically change how migration flows through the region.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps
If you are tracking this situation for business, travel, or academic reasons, don't just look at the headlines.
- Monitor the CNE Official Portal: This is where the final, finalized actas (ballots) are posted. Until the last one is cleared, the legal challenges will continue.
- Follow Local Independent Media: Sites like Contracorriente or El Heraldo provide much more granular detail on the ground than major US networks.
- Check Travel Advisories: If you’re heading there this month, keep a close eye on the areas around the Casa Presidencial and the National Congress. January 26-28 will likely see significant road closures and potential "paros" (strikes).
The transition from Xiomara Castro to Nasry Asfura represents more than just a change in names. It’s a total shift in the country’s direction—from democratic socialism back to hardline conservatism. Whether that shift is peaceful or leads to another decade of crisis is the question everyone in Tegucigalpa is holding their breath to answer.