Honduras ENEE restructuring sparks debate over privatization

The Honduran government defended the planned split of the National Electricity Company (ENEE), asserting that 100 % of the shares will remain state‑owned. Finance minister Emilio Hernández Hércules said the restructuring aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce debt and free public funds for other priorities. Critics warned that creating subsidiary companies could open the door to future loss of state control.

Business leader Karim Qubain, head of the Cortés Chamber of Commerce, echoed the government’s stance, stating the utility will stay fully public while its divisions will be managed through a private‑sector‑style structure under UN monitoring. He warned that emergency‑type projects could foster corruption if not properly planned.