In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Authorities raided the Ancón community council after complaints accused local officials of embezzlement, misuse of public funds, and workplace harassment. The case involves representative Yamireth Batista and alleged spending on personal and non-community expenses.
Panama’s governance and transparency debate is focusing on tax reform and economic substance rules aimed at strengthening oversight of companies and multinational groups. The discussion underscores the country’s effort to balance competitiveness with greater regulatory credibility.
Carlos Pérez Herrera, a former PRD representative, has been charged with embezzlement in a case tied to alleged misuse of decentralization funds. The proceedings center on public money assigned to a local board.
Four people were convicted in the United States over a case linked to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The verdict adds momentum to a transnational investigation that has helped expose the depth of Haiti’s political crisis.
President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, paired with a proposed exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. The move could briefly ease fighting in a conflict with global security and economic implications.
Panama City Hall will hold a public hearing on May 12 at Teatro Gladys Vidal to discuss municipal dining halls, security cameras and the PIOPSM program. Officials are urging residents to take part in the local decision-making process.
President José Raúl Mulino met with King Felipe VI in Costa Rica to discuss trade, security, investment and Panama’s economic priorities. The talks also covered Spain’s support for Panama on international listings and social programs.
A judge in Panama charged former San Francisco representative Carlos Pérez Herrera in a peculation case involving alleged misuse of decentralization funds. Another community board official was also charged, and Pérez Herrera was ordered to report periodically.
Authorities inspected 90 people and 26 businesses during a “Vigilancia Total” operation in Panama City’s Terraplén area, resulting in referrals and migratory citations. The enforcement action highlights ongoing checks in one of the capital’s busiest commercial zones.
Panama City has awarded two major urban renewal contracts to Consorcio Gana-Oti for Plaza 5 de Mayo and Avenida 3 de Noviembre. The projects aim to improve walkability, public space and transport connections in a key downtown corridor.
Comptroller Anel Flores said lawmakers’ employees in Panama’s Assembly were allegedly signing attendance for an entire month in one day. The claims add pressure on legislators already facing scrutiny over payroll oversight.
Authorities searched the Ancón corregimiento board amid an anticorruption probe into alleged embezzlement, misuse of public funds and workplace harassment. Moca has opened an internal inquiry and distanced itself from Representative Yamireth Batista.
Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon have killed more than a dozen people, escalating tensions ahead of planned talks in Washington next week. The strikes raise fears of a broader regional conflict.
President José Raúl Mulino attended the inauguration of Laura Fernández Delgado in Costa Rica alongside other regional heads of state. The visit highlights Panama’s ongoing diplomatic ties with its Central American neighbors.
Anti-corruption prosecutors raided the Ancón community board offices in Panama City as part of an investigation involving public administration. The case highlights continued scrutiny of local government accountability in Panama.
César Caicedo has been placed under house arrest after a December 2025 drug-related arrest in Operation Nodriza. Prosecutors have appealed and are seeking his detention again.
Panamanian authorities checked 90 people in a joint Terraplén operation, flagging residency, work, and entry violations among some foreign nationals. Six citations were issued and five people were referred to authorities.
Panama’s Labor Ministry found nine foreign nationals working without permits during an inspection of 35 businesses in San Felipe. The sweep highlights ongoing enforcement of labor rules in Panama City.
Panama and Portugal agreed to strengthen cooperation in science and education while Portugal also moved to adhere to the Panama Canal Neutrality Protocol. The deal reinforces the canal’s international significance and Panama’s diplomatic ties.
Portugal is moving toward joining the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty after talks with Panama’s foreign affairs officials. The step comes as Panama broadens diplomatic support for the canal amid global trade instability.