In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Electoral prosecutors in Panama have conducted a third inspection in Arraiján over the use of Mayor Stefany Peñalba’s image on school buses. The case is drawing attention to the line between public visibility and electoral promotion.
The Panama Canal is again drawing attention in a broader debate over China’s influence in Latin America and the question of regional sovereignty. For Panama, the issue touches both national identity and the country’s most strategic economic asset.
The United States and allies have reaffirmed support for Panama’s sovereignty amid Chinese pressure, highlighting the country’s strategic role in global maritime transit. The statement reinforces Panama’s importance as a key hub in international shipping and regional diplomacy.
Panama will observe International Workers’ Day on Friday, May 1, as a paid national holiday with school closures and labor protections for employees who must work. Workers on duty that day are entitled to a 150% wage surcharge plus a compensatory day off.
Panama’s Electoral Prosecutor’s Office carried out a third inspection in Arraiján over the use of Mayor Stefany Peñalba’s image on school buses. The case is part of an ongoing review of possible electoral implications.
The United States and allies have backed Panama-flagged ships amid allegations of Chinese pressure, highlighting Panama’s strategic role in global shipping. The response underscores the country’s importance through the Panama Canal and its major ship registry.
Residents of Nombre de Dios, in Colón, blocked a road to protest weeks without potable water service. The demonstration highlights growing frustration over a basic need that has gone unmet for an extended period.
Panama has criminalized exhibitionism with Law 521, setting prison terms of up to six years for sexual acts or genital exposure in public spaces. The law also establishes tougher penalties for cases involving minors or sensitive locations.
China has warned Trinidad and Tobago not to be influenced by the United States as tensions linked to the Panama Canal rise. The dispute highlights the canal’s importance to Panama’s sovereignty and global trade.
Panama’s National Assembly advanced Bill 571 as marine ecosystems face mounting pressure from climate change and canal-related ecological shifts. The move has sparked concern over whether protections for coral reefs and coastal biodiversity are being weakened.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was pressed by lawmakers over Pentagon funding linked to the war on Iran. The debate carries major implications for Middle East stability and global economic conditions.
Panama is receiving support from the United States and allies amid renewed pressure tied to the Panama Canal and Chinese influence concerns. The dispute underscores the canal’s importance to sovereignty, trade, and regional diplomacy.
Panama’s new women’s prison, La Esmeralda, has opened in Pacora with capacity for 500 inmates. The facility is part of the country’s broader effort to manage prison populations and improve detention conditions.
Panama’s SEPRESAC says its civic education campaign is advancing as part of preparations for a possible new Constitution in 2029. The effort includes nationwide workshops and public input on issues such as assembly selection, public services and political reform.
The United States and allies have backed Panamanian ships amid allegations of Chinese pressure, underscoring Panama’s strategic role in global shipping. The dispute adds fresh geopolitical weight to the country’s maritime sector and canal-linked trade.
China rejected U.S. and allied accusations over actions affecting Panamanian vessels, calling the claims unfounded. The dispute comes as Panama faces renewed scrutiny over ports linked to the Canal of Panama.
China has criticized U.S. concern over Panama’s sovereignty, escalating a geopolitical dispute tied to the Panama Canal and the country’s strategic role. The exchange underscores how Panama remains caught between competing global powers.
The United States and five other countries backed Panama’s sovereignty amid growing pressure linked to the Balboa and Cristóbal ports. The move underscores the strategic importance of Panama’s maritime trade infrastructure.
China has accused the United States of hypocrisy after Washington voiced concern about Panama’s sovereignty. The dispute highlights Panama’s strategic importance in the broader U.S.-China rivalry.
China has pushed back against U.S. concern over Panama’s sovereignty, adding to the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Central American nation. The dispute highlights Panama’s strategic importance because of the canal and its role in global trade.