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 U.S.-Iran ceasefire is still holding, but tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Lebanon are putting it under strain. The standoff could ripple into energy prices and global shipping, with effects felt in Panama and Latin America.
Panama’s National Assembly committee approved the first debate of long-delayed internal rule reforms after reviewing 240 articles. Lawmakers now face a tight timeline and continued pressure over issues like voting rules, benefits and committee deadlines.
Trump said Israeli strikes in Lebanon should be treated as separate from the Iran ceasefire, drawing a line between two volatile Middle East flashpoints. The remarks highlight how quickly regional conflicts can overlap and complicate U.S. diplomacy.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon followed a U.S.-Iran ceasefire announcement, heightening fears that the fragile truce could unravel. The episode adds to broader Middle East instability with potential knock-on effects for global markets.
Marco Rubio accused China of bullying Panama-flagged ships amid a detention dispute tied to the Panama Canal. The case puts Panama’s global shipping role and flag registry under international scrutiny.
US authorities are warning that Iran-linked hackers are trying to infiltrate energy and water systems, raising concerns about cyber disruption during a period of heightened tensions. The alert underscores how critical infrastructure has become a frontline target in modern geopolitical conflict.
Panama’s National Assembly is set to vote on the next Ombudsman after a split over whether to consider all 33 candidates or a shortlist of seven. Current Ombudsman Eduardo Leblanc withdrew his re-election bid just before the process began.
Maersk says it is not responsible for the claims filed by Panama Ports Company as the dispute over the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals moves to arbitration. The case stems from Panama’s Supreme Court ruling that voided PPC’s concession and triggered a new operating arrangement.
The war with Iran is pushing the United States away from a narrow precision-strike model and toward a broader contest over energy and strategic infrastructure. The shift could reshape global security and energy markets, with indirect effects for Panama and Latin America.
Eduardo Leblanc has withdrawn his bid for re-election as Panama’s ombudsman, saying the decision was meant to protect the independence and legitimacy of the office. The move shifts attention to the selection of the country’s next Defensor del Pueblo.
Panama City canceled the bidding process for the $8 million renewal of Calle 50, saying the municipality must reprogram its investment budget. The project aimed to improve mobility, accessibility and public space along one of the capital’s busiest corridors.
U.S. Army engineers will inspect Panama’s Bridge of the Americas after part of the structure was affected by a fire near La Boca. The technical review is meant to assess safety, including for heavy cargo vehicles and large buses.
Israel launched heavy strikes in Lebanon just one day after a US-Iran ceasefire, intensifying fears that the Middle East conflict could spread. The escalation may also unsettle global energy and shipping markets that matter to Panama and Latin America.
San Miguelito Mayor Irma Hernández questioned why municipalities receive only 80 million balboas from the 200 million collected through IBI. Her comments renew scrutiny of how property-tax revenue is distributed in Panama.
Trump appears to be seeking a way out of the Iran conflict, but the political and strategic fallout could last for years. The implications may reach far beyond the Middle East, including global trade and energy markets.
Panama City Hall certified 30 employees after a 40-hour course on image and professional projection aimed at improving taxpayer service. The program focused on communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and other workplace skills.
Marco Rubio accused China of bullying Panama-flagged ships, highlighting the country’s outsized role in global shipping and geopolitics. The remarks put Panama’s flag registry back in the middle of a U.S.-China dispute.
Panama’s bill 491 would provide economic support to retirees and pensioners earning less than B/.600 a month, while prohibiting the money from being used to pay loans. The proposal targets lower-income seniors as lawmakers weigh new relief measures.
Theodore Roosevelt’s decision to support a canal in Panama helped reshape global trade and secure the country’s place at the center of maritime commerce. The canal remains one of the most important strategic routes in the world.
MIDA’s minister discussed rising prices and the protection of local producers during a hearing before Panama’s National Assembly Budget Committee. The remarks highlight ongoing pressure on food costs and the agricultural sector.