Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha said Wednesday he has no information confirming that Venezuelan leader Diosdado Cabello plans to request political asylum Panama, urging the public to avoid speculation on what he called a serious matter. The statement followed a media interview in which a former Panamanian diplomat claimed Cabello was considering exile in the Central American nation.
Speaking to reporters, Martínez-Acha said any decision on a potential asylum request would rest solely with President José Raúl Mulino. “No, I am unaware of that assertion and, honestly, let’s not speculate about something very serious,” the minister said [Translated from Spanish].
Origin of the Political Asylum Panama Rumors
The speculation traces to an interview with Guillermo Cochez, Panama’s former ambassador to the Organization of American States. Cochez told NTN24 that his sources indicated Cabello, a top figure in Venezuela’s ruling party, was exploring the possibility of relocating to Panama. He cautioned that interest did not guarantee approval.
Cochez also mentioned that one of Cabello’s daughters had reportedly purchased three properties in Panama, each valued above $1 million, allegedly as preparation for her father’s potential arrival. No official documentation has confirmed these claims.
Official Response and Presidential Authority
Martínez-Acha declined to elaborate on the matter, citing the president’s exclusive authority over asylum decisions. “Also, it is a decision for President Mulino that I will not touch, so, out of respect, I will not comment on something about which I have no certainty,” he said [Translated from Spanish].
The foreign minister’s remarks reflect Panama’s cautious approach to Venezuela’s political crisis. The country has historically balanced diplomatic relations with Caracas against regional pressure over democratic backsliding. Any asylum request from a high-profile Venezuelan official would carry significant diplomatic weight.
🚨 | Guillermo Cochez, exembajador de Panamá ante la OEA, denuncia que Diosdado Cabello estaría buscando asilo en Panamá. Asegura que su hija Daniela Cabello habría comprado tres apartamentos de más de un millón de dólares cada uno en la exclusiva zona de Santa María. También señala que podría existir una negociación para facilitar su salida de Venezuela.
— Juan Pablo González 🇻🇪 (@Juanegron) November 10, 2026
Unverified Claims and Regional Context
Panama maintains formal diplomatic channels with Venezuela but has joined other Latin American nations in questioning the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s government. Cabello, often described as the second most powerful figure in Venezuela’s ruling structure, faces international scrutiny over alleged human rights abuses and corruption.
As of Wednesday, no asylum application had been filed with Panamanian authorities. The rumors remain unsubstantiated, and Martínez-Acha reiterated that he lacks any information supporting the supposed request. The situation underscores how quickly unverified claims can circulate in the tense landscape of Venezuelan politics.