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 Electoral Prosecutor inspected buses in Arraiján linked to a free transport program after questions arose over possible political promotion by Mayor Stefany Peñalba. The case centers on whether municipal resources were used to boost the mayor’s image.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. for entering the Iran war without a strategy, saying the conflict is now harder to end. His remarks highlight growing allied concern over the war’s direction and global fallout.
Russian drone strikes wounded 14 people in Odesa, while Ukrainian drones killed two in Russian-held Kherson. President Zelenskyy says Ukraine still needs more Patriot missiles to strengthen air defenses.
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi outlined how Parkea PTY will help manage parking in Casco Antiguo, with hourly fees going to the municipality for service improvements. The app is part of the city’s push to modernize urban management through technology.
The Vamos bloc says Comptroller Anel Flores canceled a meeting and demands the release of payments tied to its collaborators. The group is also calling for an immediate correction to their labor status.
Vamos is demanding the immediate restoration of salaries for Assembly collaborators after Comptroller Anel Flores canceled a planned meeting on the dispute. The coalition says more than 40 workers are affected and is pursuing legal and institutional action.
King Charles III has arrived in Washington for a high-profile White House visit as trans-Atlantic relations face new strain. The meeting carries strong historical symbolism and broader diplomatic significance.
Iran is pushing a security deal for the Strait of Hormuz without linking it to nuclear talks, as indirect negotiations with the United States remain uncertain. The move could affect global shipping and energy markets, with knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
Panama’s bioethanol bill has sparked scrutiny after Finance Minister Felipe Chapman participated in Cabinet approval despite family ties to one of the interested sugar companies. The proposal is now in the National Assembly for second debate.
Panama has confirmed that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit in May, marking a new high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The trip is expected to highlight bilateral ties and Panama’s role as a regional diplomatic hub.
Ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran are intensifying as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz drives up gas prices and threatens the global economy. The disruption is also worsening pressure on Iran’s economy and could affect Latin America through higher energy and shipping costs.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people as ceasefire violations continued and fresh displacement followed. The escalation heightens regional tensions and the risk of wider spillover.
IFARHU and MEDUCA have begun validating PASE-U 2026 student data before the first payment. The review is a key step to confirm beneficiary records and reduce payment delays.
Ricardo Martinelli’s lawyer Roniel Ortiz has renewed criticism of the “pinchazos” case, alleging irregularities and pointing to former Attorney General Kenia Porcell. The dispute continues to fuel debate in Panama over judicial independence and political influence.
Panama will host the Inter-American Court of Human Rights from May 4 to 8, 2026, with three public hearings and an international seminar in Panama City. The event highlights the country’s role in regional legal and human rights dialogue.
José Pérez Barboni has proposed tougher penalties for minors who commit crimes, citing data he says show significant juvenile involvement in delinquency. The initiative adds to Panama’s debate over how best to address youth crime.
Carlos Carrillo defended the principle of specialty in the Martinelli case, saying the New Business proceedings violated basic legal principles. His comments renew debate over due process and the handling of one of Panama’s most watched legal cases.
Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the United States lifts its blockade and the war ends, but President Donald Trump appears unlikely to agree. The proposal raises stakes for global energy markets and regional diplomacy.
Panama City Hall will hold a public hearing in Villa Lilla on April 28 to present park construction and renovation projects in San Francisco. The meeting will also cover funds linked to the municipal public works investment program.
Panama City has opened Puerta Sur, a new digital parking system near El Chorrillo that provides access to the Casco Peatonal. The service uses the Parkea PTY app for registration, QR scanning and cashless payment.