In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
U.S. envoy travel to Pakistan has been canceled as efforts to restart talks aimed at ending the war with Iran run into another setback. The diplomatic stall keeps global markets and regional security on edge.
Panama has taken control of two strategic ports at the entrances to the Panama Canal after the Supreme Court ruled the concession unconstitutional. The move strengthens the country’s control over a vital global shipping corridor amid rising U.S.-China tensions.
Panama’s femicide figures have remained alarmingly steady for a decade, despite the crime being formally recognized in 2013. Experts say stronger protection, better enforcement and social change are still urgently needed.
Deputy Francisco Brea is pressing for faster audits, tighter Assembly rules and rural infrastructure reforms for his Veraguas circuit. He also defended bioethanol debate and called for clearer oversight of public payrolls.
Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill to eliminate ITBMS on menstrual products, with lawmakers proposing higher tobacco and vape taxes to replace the lost revenue. Supporters call it a gender equity measure, while officials urge technical review of the funding plan.
Panama’s Ministry of Social Development has started home visits for more than 9,000 pending applicants to verify eligibility for key social programs. The campaign targets households in extreme poverty and is part of an update to the national beneficiary registry.
Panama’s scholarship system is under fresh criticism over clientelist influence in IFARHU aid decisions. The debate centers on whether public education support is reducing inequality or reinforcing it.
Panama welcomed Cuba’s release of three Panamanian citizens, even as seven others remain detained. The case continues to focus attention on consular efforts and bilateral diplomacy.
A bomb-laden bus exploded on Colombia’s Pan-American Highway near the Venezuelan border, killing at least 14 people. Authorities blamed dissident FARC rebels for the attack.
Panama’s contested appointments to the Electoral Tribunal and Ombudsman have intensified concerns about political bargaining and institutional independence. The vote also exposed new fractures within reform-minded blocs in the National Assembly.
Hundreds of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv as fears grew that stalled US-Iran talks could lead to renewed fighting. The standoff has implications for global stability, energy prices, and shipping routes.
President Donald Trump was evacuated unharmed from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a reported shooting outside the ballroom in Washington. Authorities said no injuries were immediately reported as investigators assessed the threat.
Shots were fired near the White House correspondents’ dinner venue in Washington, prompting a rapid security response and escorting President Donald Trump away unhurt. The incident briefly disrupted one of the capital’s most visible political events.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will distribute CEPANIM payments in stages, with physical checks used because the document is negotiable. Finance Minister Felipe Chapman confirmed the plan.
Iran has rejected talks while under military pressure, deepening the standoff after Donald Trump canceled a planned envoy trip. The impasse raises the risk of wider regional instability and market disruption.
Panama condemned a deadly terrorist attack on Colombia’s Pan-American Highway, offering condolences after an explosion in Cauca killed at least seven people and injured 17. The blast comes weeks before Colombia’s presidential election.
Cuba released three Panamanian women detained over signs seen as anti-government propaganda. Panama’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the release and thanked Cuban authorities.
Panama has identified 420 active wastewater pollution points nationwide, including 56 abandoned sites, as authorities intensify inspections and sanctions. Recent checks in Pacora found treatment plants operating, but officials still ordered further adjustments to improve water quality.
Communities in Colón marched against the planned Río Indio reservoir, rejecting relocation tied to the project. The Panama Canal says the dam is essential to Panama’s water security and canal operations.
MIDES has started home visits for more than 9,000 applicants to monetary assistance programs across Panama. More than 3,000 homes have already been checked in 17 regions.