In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Panama has taken control of two major canal-linked ports from a Hong Kong operator after a Supreme Court ruling. The move underscores the strategic importance of infrastructure tied to the Panama Canal.
Panama has canceled a China-linked port deal and shifted canal terminals to Maersk and MSC, a move with major trade and geopolitical implications. The source does not give full details on the terms or timing of the change.
Livestock producers in Los Santos rejected any move to allow imported powdered milk in Panama’s school breakfast program. Meduca said the tender requires 100% nationally produced fluid milk and does not include powdered milk.
CNBC reports CK Hutchison has warned of legal action amid an intensifying U.S.–China contest over Panama Canal ports, raising commercial and geopolitical stakes for Panama.
Newsweek reports a U.S. strategic gain at the Panama Canal as China seeks greater port access across the Americas, highlighting rising competition over maritime infrastructure.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama will not be threatened by China after a court ruling tied to the Panama Canal, stressing sovereignty and stability, the AP reports.
Panama’s supreme court cancelled a concession held by a subsidiary of a Chinese company, prompting Beijing’s rebuke while the president assured that Panama Canal operations and ports will continue as usual.
Task & Purpose reports a U.S. Army unit originally formed for Afghanistan will now lead a jungle school in the Republic of Panama, reflecting post-Afghanistan training shifts.
Leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean visited the Panama Canal’s Cocolí Locks during the 2026 CAF economic forum for briefings on operations, sustainability and regional trade integration.
Panama’s Minister of Government told lawmakers the community justice of the peace system was in disarray after Law 467 shifted offices to ministry control. Interim appointments are now underway ahead of a broader call for judges in April.
Panama’s National Assembly opened its 2026 ordinary session on January 2, with President José Raúl Mulino delivering a message that reviewed his administration and outlined priorities. The session begins a year of legislative debate on justice, mining, public finances and reforms.
Panama City Hall will require all photovoltaic building plan filings to be submitted digitally starting January 8, 2026. The change is part of the municipality’s broader push to modernize services.
Panama’s draft fiscal reform is drawing scrutiny from tax experts and lawyers as the government seeks to meet EU tax standards and exit the blacklist in 2026. Critics want more time and clearer rules to avoid harming investment and productive sectors.
The Panama Canal Administration delivered B/.2.965 billion to the National Treasury for FY2025, reflecting strong operational results, higher transits and restored lake levels.
Etesa said it will suspend payments to companies linked to active judicial cases, including one tied to ex-lawmaker Héctor Brands, as lawmakers debated a $13 million debt transfer. The move intensified scrutiny over transparency and how state entities handle pending obligations.
Panama’s Budget Committee approved $17.7 million to cover pending payments for the new Dr. José Renán Esquivel Children’s Hospital. The funding is intended to keep construction on schedule for the $446.3 million pediatric complex.
Parque Lefevre’s representative accused Panama City Hall of retaliation after a municipal inspector was dismissed, while the municipality said the removal followed a bribery complaint. The dispute unfolded as criticism grew over the 2026 municipal budget.
Panama is moving to extradite Ali Zaki Hage Jalil, detained in Venezuela, over the 1994 Alas Chiricanas bombing that killed 21 people. Officials say the case remains a priority in the country’s fight for truth and justice.
Venezuela arrested Ali Zaki Hage Jalil, a fugitive wanted in the 1994 Alas Chiricanas bombing that killed 21 people in Panama. The arrest could help advance long-stalled extradition and justice efforts.
The Guardian reports that a US military buildup off Venezuela has revived comparisons to the 1989 US operation in Panama, with veterans’ accounts of the Rio Hato assault resurfacing in debates over possible action.