In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Panama has opened a voluntary return process for Venezuelans who want to go back home, with repatriation flights fully financed under a migration agreement with the United States.
Costa Rica’s new president, Laura Fernández, is pressing Panama to remove restrictions on Costa Rican farm products and to reopen direct talks with José Raúl Mulino. The dispute remains unresolved after a WTO panel favored Costa Rica and Panama appealed.
Iran has highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz while nuclear talks with the United States continue. The warning underscores how tensions in the Gulf could affect global energy prices and trade flows.
Panama has opened registration for a voluntary repatriation program for Venezuelans in irregular status, with the process funded through an agreement with the United States. The deadline to sign up is May 13.
A commentary in Panama is renewing debate over school hairstyle rules and whether they amount to discrimination against students’ identity and culture. The discussion raises constitutional and human-rights questions about how schools balance discipline with personal freedom.
Tighter US pressure on Cuba’s oil supplies is worsening power cuts and fuel shortages, putting the island’s small private businesses under intense strain. The crisis is fueling deeper economic hardship with potential spillover effects for migration and regional stability.
Panama says relations with China are improving after a diplomatic spat, raising hopes for steadier ties between two key partners. The shift matters for trade, investment, and Panama’s broader diplomatic strategy.
Panama City’s municipality has awarded renovation contracts for Plaza 5 de Mayo and Avenida 3 de Noviembre to the Gana-Oti Consortium. The two projects total more than $11.8 million in bids.
The U.S. military killed two people in another strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the third such attack there this month. The pattern points to a sharper U.S. security posture in a region that matters for Latin American maritime security and trade.
Russia marked Victory Day with a smaller-than-usual parade in Moscow as Vladimir Putin again vowed victory in Ukraine. The display highlighted both wartime strain and Moscow’s refusal to back away from its military goals.
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian areas across the West Bank, setting cars on fire and storming communities in a new escalation of violence. The attacks add to growing instability in one of the region’s most volatile flashpoints.
Rony Araúz’s 2014 reform at Unachi is back in focus after helping convert temporary teachers into permanent staff and expand the university payroll. The measure, once justified as labor regularization, is now tied to mounting salary costs and financial strain.
Panama is facing new debate over a coral protection proposal awaiting presidential sanction, the return of postal codes, and scrutiny of public-sector pay at UNACHI. The issues highlight ongoing tensions over environmental policy, modernization, and government spending.
Panama prosecutors allege that the Belisario Porras community board was used to divert $7.3 million in public funds between 2019 and 2024. Seven women were charged as part of a wider anti-corruption push targeting decentralization money.
Residents in Condado del Rey and nearby neighborhoods are raising alarms over the revived Vista Azul development, citing traffic, blasting and possible damage to homes. The project still needs several approvals before construction can begin.
Mayer Mizrachi led all Panama mayoral candidates in private campaign fundraising in 2024, with more than $555,000 reported. New open-data records also highlight funding totals for Colón, La Chorrera, David and San Miguelito.
Felipe Chapman said Panama’s lower country-risk profile could save the state about $400 million a year and eventually lead to cheaper credit for businesses and families. He also defended a reform on economic substance for multinational companies operating in the country.
Panama is under pressure to reform a broad system of tax breaks and subsidies as debt, unemployment and weak investment weigh on the economy. The call is for incentives with stricter rules, audits and expiration dates.
Panama’s press is facing escalating attacks from political pressure, online harassment and fake journalism. The debate highlights the role of verified reporting in exposing abuse and protecting democracy.
A year after La Villa River contamination was officially reported, many Panama communities still face water shortages, unanswered questions, and no lasting solution. Residents continue to rely on bottled water, public tanks, or unsafe tap water as authorities push new wells and unfinished fixes.