In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Centroamérica Cuenta turned Panama into a regional forum for debate on exile, memory and freedom, with major literary and political voices taking part. The festival also reinforced Panama’s role as a meeting ground for democratic discussion in Latin America.
The United States and Iran are close to a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war, a development that could ease regional tensions. Any de-escalation may also help stabilize oil markets and global shipping routes.
María Corina Machado used a Panama appearance to press for a free and transparent presidential vote in Venezuela and outline her transition plan. She said new elections could be organized within seven to nine months once key political decisions are made.
A gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province killed at least 90 people, making it the country’s deadliest mining accident in years. The disaster is expected to renew pressure on safety enforcement in a critical coal-producing region.
A constitutional critique of Panama’s Law 32 of 1984 says the Comptroller General should not be able to suspend salaries or affect assets through administrative action. The debate highlights the tension between rapid oversight and due process.
Iran says talks with the United States are still underway, but no agreement has been reached as regional violence continues to complicate diplomacy. The stakes are high for energy markets, shipping routes, and broader Middle East stability.
Bolivia is facing rising unrest as protests intensify and demands for President Rodrigo Paz to resign spread. The crisis raises fresh concerns about political stability in South America.
Panama’s suspension of electricity sales to Costa Rica has deepened a trade dispute and sparked warnings about higher costs and possible rationing. The clash comes as Costa Rica faces El Niño-related energy pressure and broader concerns over regional power cooperation.
Panama’s Comptroller General will audit multimillion-dollar water tanker contracts and consult legal experts over possible action in a fake diploma case tied to Meduca. Both matters highlight scrutiny of public spending and public-sector integrity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks with Iran made “slight progress,” but negotiations remain fragile and the risk of renewed conflict persists.
Mexico and the United States say they will keep security cooperation going, with both sides emphasizing mutual respect amid ongoing border and migration challenges. The relationship remains important for the wider region, including Central America and Panama.
María Corina Machado arrived in Panama for a four-day visit that includes a public rally with Venezuelans and a meeting with President José Raúl Mulino. The trip highlights Panama’s role as a regional hub for Venezuelan exiles and democratic advocacy.
Unachi’s budget soared under Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas, but the university is now facing sharp financial pressure, payroll strain and new scrutiny. The clash between years of expansion and current austerity has made the Chiriquí campus a national flashpoint.
Marco Rubio said Cuba is a security threat to the United States and warned that a diplomatic breakthrough looks unlikely. The clash comes as Washington ramps up pressure on Havana over the Raúl Castro case, sanctions and migration issues.
Two years after the mine shutdown, Panama is still counting the costs in lost output, royalties and jobs. The debate now centers on whether the country can resolve the issue without more delay and uncertainty.
U.S. authorities arrested Cuban citizen Adys Lastres Morera and revoked her permanent residency, saying she posed a national security risk and had ties to the Havana government. The case highlights continued U.S. pressure on people connected to Cuba’s state-linked economic network.
A UN peace envoy warned that Gaza could become permanently divided unless the Security Council pushes a ceasefire roadmap tied to security and governance steps. The warning highlights the challenge of turning a pause in fighting into a lasting political settlement.
Marco Rubio said Trump prefers a diplomatic solution with Cuba, but the odds are low as Washington keeps military options in play. The remarks follow a U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro on terrorism charges.
Panama’s Assembly committee unanimously approved bill No. 641 in first debate, advancing new economic substance rules for foreign passive income. The next flashpoint is whether the merchant marine sector will remain included in the reform.
Panama’s Supreme Court has left in force a Labor Ministry rule that blocks cash delivery of Suntracs union dues and requires certified checks instead. The decision keeps alive a tighter oversight system that the government says improves compliance and reduces financial risks.