In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Israeli soldiers were filmed singing the national anthem in the ruins of a destroyed town in southern Lebanon, highlighting the conflict’s destructive toll. The image comes amid a volatile Israel-Hezbollah war that has widened regional tensions.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has kept the CEPANIM registration platform open 24 hours a day for direct beneficiaries and their heirs. The move aims to make the process more accessible and flexible for users.
More than 15,000 people have registered with Cepanim in Panama City, as retirees continue seeking help at the Avesa building. Authorities will set up information booths across the city to improve access.
President José Raúl Mulino partially vetoed Bill 331, which aims to promote sports tourism in Panama, citing institutional overlap, health safeguards and fiscal concerns. The National Assembly will now review the objections.
Israel has honored Avraham Zarbiv, a rabbi known for filming his bulldozing of Gaza, as a torchbearer during Independence Day celebrations. The move has renewed scrutiny of the war’s symbolism and its international fallout.
Parlacen voted against including the swearing-in of Laurentino Cortizo and José Gabriel Carrizo in its plenary agenda. The decision delays any immediate move to seat the former Panamanian leaders in the regional body.
Panama’s Supreme Court ordered the State to pay $25,000 to the first three victims in the dietylene glycol case and to issue a public apology. The ruling comes as hundreds of related claims continue moving through the courts.
Panama opened an OAS telecommunications meeting with representatives from 30 countries, placing the country at the center of a key regional policy discussion. The summit highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure and connectivity across the Americas.
Panama marked the 10th March for Science at the Biomuseo, with this year’s theme emphasizing science as a sustainable driver of national development. The event highlighted public support for evidence-based policy and greater investment in research.
Panamanian authorities used a criminality congress to review recent security operations and strengthen the fight against organized crime. The move comes after a surge of violence that has left close to 10 victims in recent weeks.
Panama’s Health Ministry says its ban on routine mental health certificates has exceptions for high-risk jobs such as security, transport, and teaching. The rule is meant to stop discriminatory screening while preserving safety checks in sensitive roles.
Panama has placed extradited suspect Ali Zaki Hage Jalil under special police guard as prosecutors prepare to question him in the Alas Chiricanas bombing case. The case was reopened in 2019 and remains one of the country’s most serious old aviation attacks.
Construction has started on 22 new homes in Tubualá, Guna Yala, for families affected by a January 2025 fire that displaced more than 300 people. The homes are being built with maritime shipments coordinated from Colón.
Panama has transferred a long-sought suspect in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center, a case known as the country’s deadliest terror attack. The extradition followed coordinated action involving Panamanian, U.S. and Venezuelan authorities.
Panama City Municipality says it has built and recovered about 1,200 meters of sidewalks in eight corregimientos during the first three months of the year. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety and mobility for more than 300,000 residents.
Parlacen’s plenary voted against adding the swearing-in of Laurentino Cortizo and José Gabriel Carrizo to its agenda, blocking the move for now. The decision keeps the former Panamanian leaders’ possible entry into the regional body on hold.
CSS has extended its recruitment call for a director position with a salary of up to $5,500 a month. The process includes requirements, dates and application steps for interested candidates.
Parlacen rejected a move to add the swearing-in of former president Laurentino Cortizo and ex-vice president José Gabriel Carrizo to its agenda. The debate turned sharply political as lawmakers cited their pending legal situations.
Panama’s Foreign Ministry is continuing talks with Cuba over Panamanians detained there since March. Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos said the government will keep pressing diplomatically for their return.
The Social Security Fund has extended the deadline for selecting a key oversight and control director, while candidates must submit files by April 24, 2026. The post is important for institutional accountability inside one of Panama’s most vital public agencies.