In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
China accused the United States of seeking control over the Panama Canal after Washington raised concerns about Panamanian vessels. The exchange adds fresh tension around a vital route that remains central to Panama’s sovereignty and global trade.
Cuba has begun releasing more than 2,000 prisoners in a sweeping pardon as U.S. pressure mounts over the island’s political and human rights situation. The move could affect regional diplomacy and migration debates across the Americas.
Survivors of a strike on Iran’s largest road bridge described the terror of missiles hitting the crossing, underscoring the civilian toll of rising US-Israeli tensions with Iran.
Panama’s municipalities say they are being shortchanged by as much as $115 million a year in property tax transfers, intensifying the debate over decentralization. Local leaders want the law changed so all IBI revenue reaches towns and districts in full.
China has rejected U.S. claims of delays on Panamanian ships and accused Washington of trying to control the Panama Canal. The dispute reflects rising pressure on Panama’s strategic shipping and port infrastructure.
An attack on the UAE’s Habshan gas facility killed at least one person after air defenses intercepted the threat, causing fires and significant damage. The incident raises fresh concerns about energy security in the Gulf.
Russian strikes killed at least eight people in Ukraine as fighting continued and Kyiv left open the possibility of an Easter truce. Ukrainian officials say Moscow is escalating attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
Resident and intern doctors in Panama met with CSS officials to demand faster payment of overtime shifts and better payroll processing. Fenameri has also called a nationwide peaceful protest for April 9.
Cuban residents in Panama condemned U.S. threats against Cuba and urged Cubans abroad to defend the island’s independence. Their statement also warned against any use of Panamanian territory for warfare.
MSF says drone strikes on Al Jabalain Hospital in Sudan’s White Nile State killed 10 people and hit an operating theatre and maternity ward. The attack adds to growing alarm over assaults on medical facilities in Sudan’s civil war.
Trump is seeking a massive US$1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget, a 44% increase tied to the country’s war in Iran and broader military priorities. The plan is expected to spark a major battle in Congress over spending and U.S. foreign policy.
China has rejected U.S. accusations over the detention of Panama-flagged ships, calling the claims politically motivated and linked to the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores Panama’s continuing role at the center of global shipping and geopolitical tensions.
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran, and Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident. The event raises fresh concerns about escalation between Washington and Tehran.
The National Assembly advanced Isidro Carbonell’s appointment to the Lottery as he pointed to a major technological disconnect inside the institution. The move comes amid complaints over irregular sales booklet issuance filed during the previous administration.
Marco Rubio condemned China’s detention of Panama-flagged vessels, drawing attention to Panama’s outsized role in global shipping. The dispute highlights the country’s maritime importance and its vulnerability to international trade tensions.
Vessels linked to France, Oman and Japan transited the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions remain high. The French-owned ship’s passage was the first since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began.
U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan met with President José Raúl Mulino and Panamanian security leaders to discuss anti-narcotrafficking cooperation, canal security, and regional stability. The visit also included a rare aircraft carrier stop in Panamanian waters and joint training activities.
China has rejected U.S. claims about Panama-flagged ship detentions, deepening a dispute tied to maritime security and global shipping. The issue is relevant to Panama because of its major role in vessel registration and world trade.
Panama’s National Assembly is facing criticism over the selection process for the next defensor del Pueblo, with civil society leaders warning of opacity and political influence. The vote now moves to the plenary after interviews concluded this week.
Panamanian officials visited USS Nimitz during the Southern Seas 2026 exercise in the eastern Pacific, highlighting regional maritime cooperation. The visit included Panama’s president, the police chief, and the vice minister of government.