In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Mariato Mayor Ángel Batista denies President Mulino’s accusation that he diverted earthquake aid to political allies, presenting a conflicting timeline of the Torio protest as the government takes over food distribution.
Panama’s government has approved five emergency declarations since 2024 authorizing $360 million in no-bid contracts, with $180 million still active after the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Tonosí. Transparency questions remain as spending details are only disclosed after emergencies conclude.
Contributors to Panama’s Mixed Pension Subsystem told the National Assembly they could receive up to 50% less than expected, after relying on official information given two decades ago. The warning comes as Panama debates sweeping social security reform.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved shifting $6 million from school construction to maintain Senan helicopters under the U.S.-backed CARSI agreement, sparking debate over spending priorities and Meduca’s slow budget execution.
Panamanian prosecutors have charged former Social Security Fund director Enrique Lau Cortés with unjust enrichment and money laundering amid conflicting asset-growth estimates. The case now moves through the courts as prosecutors weigh evidence.
A judge legalized the arrest of Lau Cortés and called a recess in a guarantees hearing conducted without press access, after prosecutors say an audit traced $500,000 in unjustified assets. The case highlights tensions over transparency in Panama’s justice system.
Panama’s Electoral Code reform bill remains stalled awaiting second debate in the National Assembly, with some deputies citing no climate for discussion and the Panameñista caucus demanding it be returned to first debate.
A La Prensa report reveals that 95.4% of millions in health-designated funds transferred to Panama’s National Assembly went to staff salaries, with the rest paying thirteenth-month bonuses. The finding is fueling calls for tighter oversight of legislative budget transfers.
Panama’s National Assembly has one month of ordinary sessions left to debate pending bills, including Electoral Code reforms in second debate and an electric energy law reform still in first debate.
Singapore has announced its adherence to the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty during President Mulino’s official visit, while also signing an air cargo cooperation agreement between SATS Ltd. and Tocumen International Airport.
Support for democracy in Panama fell nine points to 45%, the sharpest decline among Latin American countries that changed governments, according to Latinobarometro 2026. The survey also found record-low confidence in the State, public spending, and the National Assembly.
President José Raúl Mulino began a state visit to Singapore focused on logistics cooperation, air services, a mutual legal assistance treaty, and carbon credits, before continuing to Vietnam. He will tour the Tuas Port, set to become the world’s largest automated container terminal.
Proposed modifications to Panama’s electoral reform bill have sparked internal crises in political parties, leading to resignations by members of parliament as the National Assembly debate continues.
A commission has recommended Panama negotiate with First Quantum on a progressive closure of the Cobre Panamá copper mine and a final arbitration settlement, stressing talks do not bind the State to any outcome.
Panama will begin its Fifth Round evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (GAFI) in August 2027, with the final report due in December 2028 and a sharp focus on effectiveness rather than just technical compliance. Regulators report progress, including 92% compliance in beneficial ownership registration among non-financial obligated subjects.
A legal debate has emerged in Panama over whether the Coalición Vamos followed all required steps, including collecting signatures before Electoral Tribunal witnesses, in its bid to form a new political party.
Panama’s National Assembly approved Bill 701, setting the Panama Canal’s 2027 budget with projected total revenues of 5,555 million dollars, a key indicator for the country’s fiscal planning.
The Panama Chamber of Commerce has questioned changes to the Electoral Code approved in first debate, urging transparency and no haste in the second debate. Business leaders warn electoral rules must be handled carefully ahead of upcoming elections.
Coalición Vamos submitted more than 70,000 signatures to Panama’s Electoral Tribunal, collected in just 27 days, to begin the formal process of becoming a registered political party.
Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha asked the UN Security Council for Russia and Ukraine’s help in safely returning Panamanians recruited into their war. The request highlights growing concern over foreign recruitment into the conflict.
