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 Panama Canal is being pulled into a wider geopolitical struggle over key shipping routes as the U.S. seeks to curb China’s influence. The canal’s role as a global trade chokepoint gives Panama added strategic importance.
Trump has rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, saying its terms are unacceptable as the war reaches day 64. The standoff keeps diplomatic hopes dim and raises the risk of wider regional and economic fallout.
Panama is at the center of renewed debate over sovereignty, foreign influence and control of strategic port assets. The dispute highlights the country’s exposed position in the wider U.S.-China rivalry.
Panama has been pulled into a growing global fight over strategic port assets, after temporary management changes sparked retaliation and a multibillion-dollar lawsuit. The dispute highlights the country’s central role in maritime trade and geopolitical competition.
A sharp political satire imagines José Raúl Mulino clashing with health officials over a new pediatric hospital, staffing gaps, and the politics of plaques. It uses the moment to question whether Panama’s health investments can deliver real care without enough personnel.
Ronny Rodríguez and William Pittí have asked a Panamanian court to nullify the spyware investigation against them, alleging due process violations and expired deadlines. The case is set for trial again on May 22.
Panama is advancing a tax reform that would require multinational companies to prove real economic activity in the country or face a 15% levy on gross income. The plan is aimed at curbing tax avoidance and helping Panama meet international transparency standards.
Panama’s National Assembly closed its session with key anti-corruption bills and a major internal rules reform still stalled. Lawmakers blame committee bottlenecks and a lack of political will as the agenda moves into the next legislative cycle.
Panama has received a $60 million World Bank loan to modernize its cadastre and digitize land records. The overhaul targets long-running problems with land titles, outdated data, and irregular property deals.
Panama’s National Assembly approved Law 571, easing restrictions on interventions in coral reefs and seagrass beds. President José Raúl Mulino now must decide whether to sign or veto the measure.
Donald Trump accused U.S. forces of acting “like pirates” in relation to Iranian ships near the Strait of Hormuz, sharpening tensions over a vital global shipping lane. The dispute matters far beyond the Gulf because any disruption there can reverberate through energy markets and trade routes reaching Panama and Latin America.
Cuba has rejected new Trump sanctions, calling them collective punishment and warning they will deepen hardship for ordinary people. The move renews a long-running standoff with implications across the Caribbean and Latin America.
China’s detentions of Panama-flagged vessels have triggered a joint backlash from the U.S. and five Latin American and Caribbean nations. The dispute puts Panama’s global ship registry and maritime reputation in the spotlight.
Peru has launched an investigation into claims that citizens were lured by fake job offers and trafficked into Russia’s war in Ukraine. The case highlights growing concerns over transnational recruitment scams tied to an active conflict.
Panama’s Supreme Court voided an addendum to a National Lottery contract with Scientific Games International, finding that officials changed the deal illegally. The ruling highlights the legal limits on modifying public contracts without a competitive process.
Panama has drawn support from the U.S. and five other countries after a dispute with China over canal-related pressure. The episode highlights the canal’s importance as both a trade route and a strategic national asset.
Panama received hemispheric backing amid tensions over recent actions affecting Panama-flagged vessels. The dispute underscores the country’s strategic role in global shipping and regional diplomacy.
China Merchants Group is discussing a role in a massive port purchase involving CK Hutchison, a deal that could include Panama Canal-area terminals. The talks are unfolding amid legal, regulatory, and geopolitical pressure.
Panama’s limited representation in the UN is drawing fresh attention as candidates for secretary-general debate staffing and geographic balance. The outcome could influence Panama’s role in multilateral decision-making and regional operations.
A commentary on Panama warns that a culture of silence can protect abuse, weaken accountability, and slow social change. It argues that education and civic action are key to replacing fear with public voice.