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’s prosecutor general has asked the Supreme Court for a control hearing in the case opened after Contralor Anel Flores interrupted a proceeding at the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office. The investigation is tied to an audit-linked step in the case against former vice president José Gabriel Carrizo.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions in Congress over the U.S. war with Iran, now estimated to have cost $25 billion. The hearing exposed partisan divisions as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues.
Guyana has joined the US, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia and others in condemning China’s detention of Panamanian-flagged ships. The dispute highlights the strategic and diplomatic importance of Panama’s maritime registry.
US-China tensions over Panama have resurfaced, once again highlighting the country’s strategic importance because of the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores the pressure Panama faces as global powers compete for influence.
Tensions between the United States and China over Panama are rising again, putting the Panama Canal back in the spotlight. The dispute reinforces the country’s role as a strategic crossroads in global trade and geopolitics.
Panama’s National Assembly committee approved in first debate a bill that would impose tougher penalties and precautionary measures on minors involved in serious crimes. The proposal now moves to the full chamber for second debate.
Panama’s Electoral Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the use of Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba’s image on school buses. The case raises questions about political messaging rules in public spaces.
Panama received public support from the United States, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago over sovereignty concerns tied to Panama-flagged vessels. The statement framed any pressure on Panama’s institutions as a regional threat.
Israeli military speedboats have begun intercepting vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, escalating a long-running dispute over access to the enclave. The confrontation comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to draw global attention.
Israeli forces seized seven boats from a 58-vessel aid flotilla near Crete in international waters as the convoy tried to deliver supplies to Gaza. The interception renews debate over the blockade and humanitarian access.
US tensions with China over port interests linked to the Panama Canal have renewed global attention on Panama’s most strategic asset. The dispute highlights the country’s central role in trade and sovereignty debates.
Six countries and the United States issued a joint statement defending Panama’s sovereignty amid tensions over maritime trade and Panama-flagged vessels. The declaration framed pressure on Panama as a broader threat to regional security and independence.
Max Florez Arias has been named acting deputy administrator of Panama’s Maritime Authority after Alexander De Gracia’s resignation. The appointment keeps the AMP under interim leadership until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Students in Colón debated the European Union’s Global Gateway and its regional impact, with a focus on energy transition, digitalization, and critical raw materials. The discussion linked international investment priorities to Panama’s development outlook.
The United States has called for support for Panama’s sovereignty, highlighting the country’s strategic role and the importance of its territorial autonomy. The message comes against the backdrop of Panama’s long history tied to the canal and its national identity.
President José Raúl Mulino thanked international support after Panama-flagged vessels were retained in China and urged restraint in the diplomatic response. The case highlights Panama’s global maritime role.
Lawmaker Luis Duke has proposed eliminating Panama’s presidential discretionary fund through a legal reform aimed at improving transparency and public spending oversight. The move renews debate over how executive funds should be controlled.
China has pushed back against a U.S. and allied statement involving Panama and canal-linked ports, accusing Washington of politicizing maritime trade. The response adds another layer to the geopolitical attention surrounding the Panama Canal.
A judge in San Miguelito revoked a convicted man’s house arrest after bracelet monitoring showed multiple unauthorized exits. The ruling highlights the strict enforcement of electronic supervision in Panama’s justice system.
Ukraine has asked Israel to detain a ship it says is carrying grain stolen by Russia from occupied territory. The case highlights how the war’s fallout continues to reverberate through global shipping and food markets.