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 US plans to deploy up to 3,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a rapid-reaction move with potential implications for regional security and global shipping.
A March 25 report found foreigners working without required permits in several Panamanian provinces, prompting authorities to remind employers of harms to the Panamanian workforce.
CADE 2026 will be held next Tuesday in Boquete, Chiriquí, and will include discussion of Panama’s possible accession to the OCDE. The conference could shape debate on reforms tied to membership.
Senacyt recognized 43 young researchers and their tutors after the successful completion of 39 projects under the Programa de Nuevos Investigadores e Innovadores, underscoring Panama’s investment in youth science and innovation.
CADE 2026 will be held April 22–24, with the conference’s main focus on Panama’s possible accession to the OECD and its implications for policy and investment.
A unit of Hutchison Ports has increased an arbitration claim in Panama to over $2 billion after describing a port takeover as “unlawful.” The report provided limited operational or legal detail.
Iran said non-hostile ships can transit the Strait of Hormuz safely, a move reported alongside U.S. President Trump’s remark that talks are under way to end the war.
An opinion in La Prensa warns that Panama’s limited public debate and weak policy framework on AI, IoT and Industry 4.0 is driving talent abroad and urges urgent state-level reforms to retain specialists.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved $5.015M to hire Eversheds Sutherland and Wordstone to defend the state in separate mining arbitrations brought by Petaquilla and Orla.
CK Hutchison has expanded international arbitration claims against Panama over port operations at Balboa and Cristóbal, alleging losses that now exceed US$2 billion following a January ruling.
Panama has launched a high-level commission and unveiled short-term measures to shield consumers from the global energy crisis, including freezing Metrobus fares and the price of 25-lb cooking gas.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a B/.13,454,329 supplemental credit to the Ministry of Public Security to fund strategic investment and training projects for the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval. The funds come from an insurance indemnity claim and received approvals from MEF, CENA and the Comptroller.
The MEF has requested $30 million to remediate lands the Panama Canal Authority acquired—linked to U.S. ammunition—and to cover international arbitration claims against the state, EIN Presswire reports.
The Philippine president declared an energy emergency as the Iran war puts pressure on global fuel markets; transport unions slammed the move as a “superficial band-aid” amid rising fuel strain.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a year-long national emergency as fuel supplies in the Philippines begin to dwindle, elevating energy security concerns and potential economic impacts.
Residents of Barrio Colón are protesting the closure of El Limoncillo road, closed by the Ministry of Public Works since March 17, and demanding its reopening due to major mobility impacts.
An additional credit for Panama’s MIDA was approved to bolster agricultural projects—including the National Grain Production program—and to settle compensations owed to producers.
Israeli and Palestinian mothers marched barefoot through Rome on March 25, 2026, calling for greater protection for children affected by the Israel–Palestine conflict.
Panama’s Commerce and Economic Affairs Commission approved Bill 443 in first debate, proposing a 10% ethanol blend in fuel by a 5–4 vote. The bill must pass further legislative stages before becoming law.
Chinese researchers say they ignited a solid rocket motor at 200 metres underwater, a depth beyond typical submarine-launch conditions, raising questions about future deep-sea weapon concepts.