In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
The United States appears poised to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports as Trump warns that any Iranian fast attack boats near U.S. forces will be destroyed. The standoff could threaten global shipping and energy markets far beyond the Middle East.
Panama’s dispute over the Cobre Panama mine has escalated into a $20 billion investor case, raising questions about contract stability and foreign investment. The fight underscores the country’s balancing act between political pressure and investor confidence.
Panama City held meetings with Bolivian lawmakers and BID-LAB to deepen cooperation on urban governance, modernization, and technology-driven city projects. The talks reinforced the capital’s push to build international partnerships for more efficient municipal management.
Panama’s Comptroller’s Office said its official Instagram account was hacked and that protocols were activated to recover control. The incident highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity for government communication channels.
The Panama Canal remains a major flashpoint in trade and geopolitics, underscoring its role as one of Panama’s most important national assets. Its strategic value continues to shape economic and political debate in and beyond the country.
Panama’s Security Ministry confirmed the death of Second Sergeant Albis Espinosa during an operation in El Chorrillo. Police have launched a wider deployment in the area following the incident.
José Gabriel Carrizo’s defense says it found inconsistencies and possible obstruction in judicial proceedings, while also claiming restrictions in accessing the case file. The team says its arguments prompted partial corrections by the Comptroller’s Office.
Panama’s justice system is under renewed scrutiny after a warning that corruption and weak transparency rules are limiting accountability. The concern underscores long-running demands for stronger institutions and legal reform.
Iran’s military has condemned reported U.S. plans to block ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them an act of piracy. The warning comes amid renewed tensions over one of the world’s most vital shipping routes.
The U.S.-Iran war has escalated after a move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. The standoff threatens global shipping, fuel prices and wider economic stability.
Australia has pledged A$2.5 million in emergency aid to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands after Cyclone Maila killed 11 people. The storm caused flooding and landslides in remote Pacific communities.
Panama’s Supreme Court upheld the expropriation of 41 Isla Margarita properties tied to PCCP, clearing a major legal hurdle for the government’s planned port project. The ruling follows years of disputes over concession breaches, land control, and ownership claims.
Panama’s Finance Ministry will open kiosks to help people register for Cepanim as the digital platform launches in April. Officials say payments are scheduled to begin in June and urge the public to ignore rumors online.
Panama’s government is seeking $561,724 for a consultancy to build the financial model for the Panama–David railway, a key step in its feasibility study. Lawmakers questioned prior spending on the project as officials defended the new budget request.
Panama City’s municipality is drawing 10 unique bidders for $17 million in urban renewal works at Plaza 5 de Mayo, Avenida 3 de Noviembre and Calle Estudiante. The projects aim to improve walkability, public space, drainage and transport connections in the city center.
A new study shows 35% of Panama’s children live in poverty and 16% in extreme poverty, with indigenous comarcas facing the country’s harshest conditions. Officials say better-targeted social policy is needed to close widening territorial gaps.
Panama’s child poverty crisis drew strong attention during the Cita Eucarística, where leaders were urged to treat it as a national debt. The message linked child protection, public accountability, and the country’s long-term future.
UPAM continues operating in Panama despite a formal shutdown order from the Education Ministry, deepening scrutiny over university oversight and enforcement. The case has now reached the National Assembly, where officials faced questions about weak controls and inconsistent regulation.
Political tension rose in Panama after new criticism of Contralor Anel Flores and debate over conduct in an anticorruption case. At the same time, attention is shifting to the next Electoral Tribunal magistrate and the new ombudsman’s public appearance.
Panama’s Labor Ministry is demanding stricter oversight of union training funds after raising concerns about reporting gaps and a preliminary audit that flagged possible irregularities of up to $7 million. Conusi and Conato have pushed back, saying they have complied with required accounting.