In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
A former Unachi human resources chief has described nepotism, political influence and payroll growth inside the Chiriquí university. Her remarks add fuel to the debate over governance and accountability at one of Panama’s public universities.
Martín Torrijos is set to unveil a new political party in Panama, signaling a possible 2029 presidential run. At the same time, internal Assembly and comptroller disputes are sharpening the country’s political scene.
Panama’s Education Ministry has relaunched a $268.5 million tender to buy more than 531,000 laptops for public school students. The plan revives a debate over whether the country should invest in devices or permanent computer labs.
Panama’s National Assembly boosted its 2026 budget to $141.8 million after approving $26.5 million in transfers, a 43.6% rise from the original allocation. The move sparked a heated debate over payroll growth, transparency, and public spending oversight.
Panama’s Ministry of Education has opened 182 teaching vacancies nationwide to replace staff who retired, resigned, died, or took leave. The hiring drive comes as Meduca also faces an internal probe tied to false diplomas and more than 200 departures.
Panama’s comptroller remains at the center of a widening controversy as the Public Ministry keeps investigating actions linked to the case. The dispute is raising fresh concerns about institutional independence and public confidence in the justice system.
Russia struck Kyiv with drones and missiles, damaging several buildings and prompting rescue efforts amid fears that residents may be trapped. The attack is the latest sign that Ukraine’s capital remains under sustained threat.
Recent ransomware attacks on Panama’s Social Security Fund and other state entities have exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s cybersecurity framework. The breaches are renewing pressure for stronger standards, audits, and accountability in public systems.
Panama’s recent improvement in country risk has renewed calls to make anti-corruption the country’s next major national project. The message is that economic progress will only last if public institutions become more transparent, efficient, and accountable.
Students from top Venezuelan universities blocked a main highway in Caracas to demand the release of political prisoners. The protest highlights continuing tensions over political detentions and civil liberties in Venezuela.
Panama’s tax reform is drawing attention not only for tougher rules on multinational companies, but also for the need to impose deadlines and accountability on the state. The debate centers on whether the government should modernize its own tax administration as aggressively as it regulates taxpayers.
Education Minister Lucy Molinar said rumors of Etelvina de Bonagas’s resignation at Unachi cannot be denied because they are true. The comments have intensified attention on leadership at the public university in Chiriquí.
Xi Jinping welcomed Donald Trump to Beijing for high-level talks centered on tariffs and rising US-China tensions. The meeting could influence global trade, supply chains and shipping routes that matter to Panama and Latin America.
Panama’s medical certification law took years of debate, revisions, and institutional cooperation before becoming part of the country’s health system. The reform reshaped medical education by tying internship access to standardized academic testing.
Panama National Police director Jaime Fernández described how gang groups operate and said key leaders have been arrested and face judicial proceedings. His remarks highlight a strategy focused on disrupting organized crime networks at the top.
Panama’s pension debate is turning toward how the country can use income from ports, the Canal and logistics to build a more sustainable system. The key issue is not only revenue, but whether new funds can be managed with strong oversight and credibility.
A $26 million budget transfer for Panama’s National Assembly reignited tensions between lawmaker Janine Prado and Assembly president Jorge Herrera. The debate again put legislative spending and oversight under the spotlight.
Panama’s lack of a vice president has triggered a constitutional dispute over presidential succession and the legality of the 2024 election outcome. Critics say the issue threatens a core safeguard meant to protect the continuity of government.
China’s ambassador to Panama said a meeting may soon be held to discuss the detention of Panama-flagged vessels. The move highlights an issue with diplomatic and maritime importance for Panama.
Panama’s Bill 491 has sparked a dispute between lawmakers, the president, and maritime business groups over its impact on logistics and shipping costs. Supporters say the measure would not hurt the economy, while critics warn it could affect port activity.