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 National Assembly rejected a proposal to alter the agenda and fast-track Project of Law 391 on the derecho a réplica, voting 29 for rejection, 18 abstentions and 2 against.
Panamanian deputies urged the implementation of the country’s telework law for public and private sectors after a fuel price increase, calling for remote work to ease household costs.
An investor has initiated arbitration under the Panama–Singapore FTA after Panama abruptly cancelled an LNG project, pursuing about $4 billion in damages. The dispute underscores risks for energy investment and could carry major financial and policy implications for Panama.
Video footage shows large crowds in Tehran waving flags and chanting in support of the government, a public display of backing amid ongoing political tensions in Iran.
Hong Kong’s Labour Bureau has proposed a blanket smoking ban on construction sites and heavy fines — HK$3,000 for workers and up to HK$400,000 for contractors — after a deadly Tai Po fire.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing are playing out in Panama as AMP takes over Cristóbal and Balboa ports and concerns grow over potential Chinese retaliation affecting the Panamanian shipping registry and imports.
A consultative council will convene to review proposals aimed at addressing the main problems affecting Colón province, Telemetro reports. The body is expected to coordinate stakeholder input and shape potential responses.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said the world has effectively given Israel a “licence to torture Palestinians,” a sharp condemnation that intensifies international human rights scrutiny.
A rise in gasoline prices ignited long lines at Panamanian gas stations and renewed criticism of lawmakers for stalled reforms; the opinion piece urges stronger governance and investment.
An independent committee in Hong Kong held its third public hearing into a housing estate fire that killed 168 people; three residents are set to testify after officials said an alleged inspection “tip-off” to a contractor was “groundless.”
Panama’s National Assembly debate on a bioethanol bill centers on cost thresholds, antimonopoly safeguards and technical measures to address humidity and fuel quality as a path to energy sovereignty.
The Alcaldía de Panamá issued Decree No. 02-2026 banning alcohol sales and public parties in the district on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, with fines of $100–$1,000 and municipal enforcement.
At the March 8 “two sessions,” China’s foreign minister called the war “one that should not have happened,” offering five principles for resolution but no concrete enforcement measures.
Project Law 306, approved in second debate, aims to curb abusive debt-collection practices but raises constitutional and practical concerns about limits on creditor actions, information, and data handling.
Proyecto 391, a bill to modify the right to reply in Panama’s media, will stay in line for a second debate after a failed vote to change the Assembly’s agenda on March 23.
The Government has decided to resume a road rehabilitation project in Arraiján, restarting work on a forest road connecting Vía Centenario with Nuevo Emperador that was pending since 2018.
Panama’s Social Security (CSS) has activated a plan to tackle a structural shortage of medical specialists by combining expanded local training, international recruitment and workforce optimization.
ASEP has launched a precalification process for a third mobile operator after Digicel’s exit (2023–2024), with service expected in Q1 2027; an opinion in La Prensa urges deeper telecom liberalization beyond a single new entrant.
Panama’s Ministry of Government met with CANATRA and the ATTT to coordinate measures aimed at preventing public-transport fare increases amid sustained fuel price rises. No specific actions were detailed in the March 24 report.
The Alcaldía de Panamá has banned the sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages in Panama City on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, as part of Semana Santa observances. Residents, businesses and visitors should plan accordingly.