Author: Michael Meuret

The government of Venezuela has formally accused Panamanian authorities of forcibly opening a Venezuelan diplomatic bag at Tocumen International Airport. The incident occurred on February 24, 2026, and has sparked a diplomatic dispute centered on the interpretation of international treaties.Venezuela’s foreign ministry issued an official statement calling the action a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The statement, shared by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, demands guarantees from Panama that such an event will not happen again.A Direct Challenge to Diplomatic ImmunityVenezuela’s complaint hinges on Article 27 of the 1961 Vienna Convention. This article establishes the absolute…

Panama’s International Banking Center concluded 2025 with robust growth in deposits and credit, according to official year-end data released this week. The Superintendency of Banks of Panama presented the financial results on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, highlighting a system that continues to expand despite global economic headwinds.Total deposits within the banking system reached $116.81 billion by December 2025. This figure represents a significant increase of 5.72 percent, or an additional $6.32 billion, compared to the previous year. The credit portfolio, a key indicator of economic activity, grew by a solid 5 percent, aligning closely with the nation’s overall Gross Domestic…

An inspection tour of schools in Panama’s San Miguelito District has revealed an urgent need for the removal of bulky waste and debris. The findings come just days before the 2026 academic year is scheduled to begin on March 2. Circuit 8-2 Deputy Luis Duke conducted the oversight visit to assess pre-school maintenance efforts across multiple institutions.Duke identified significant health and safety hazards at several schools. He reported that discarded items, including old cars, toilets, sinks, chairs, desks, and shelves, remain abandoned on school grounds. The deputy also noted overgrown grass, damaged bathroom doors, and deteriorating roofs and insulation at…

Panama’s property landscape is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026, moving from broad growth to targeted opportunities. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census and the Panamanian Chamber of Construction shows a market splitting into distinct segments. High-yield rental zones in urban cores now compete with high-appreciation suburbs for investor attention.This shift is driven by strong economic fundamentals. The International Monetary Fund projects Panama’s Gross Domestic Product will grow 4.5 percent this year. A steady stream of Foreign Direct Investment, including over $4.5 billion from U.S. sources alone, continues to support overall economic stability. This environment prevents the…

District representatives on the Panama City Municipal Council confronted police officials over a surge in violent crime during a tense session on Monday. Councilors from multiple districts described neighborhoods under siege, demanding immediate coordination and more resources from the National Police of Panama. The meeting highlighted a growing crisis of public safety in the capital, with officials warning that tourism and daily life are under threat.The eighth session of the council became a forum for urgent appeals. Representatives from central districts like Santa Ana, San Felipe, and El Chorrillo presented detailed accounts of shootings, robberies, and homicides that have left…

Panama’s public services regulator conducted a surprise inspection at two major telecommunications agencies last weekend. The operation targeted customer service centers for Tigo and Más Móvil inside the Multiplaza shopping center in Panama City.The National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) carried out the inspection on Saturday, February 21. Officials stated the goal was to verify compliance with service quality standards, response times, and customer rights protections.Regulators Target Service Quality StandardsDuring the unannounced visit, ASEP personnel performed detailed checks and interviewed customers. They also reviewed internal service processes at both locations. The operation was coordinated by the national director of Telecommunications,…

Panama is falling behind neighboring countries in attracting new industrial investment, according to a stark new report from the nation’s leading manufacturing association. The Union of Industrialists of Panama (SIP) warns that the country is losing ground to regional economies like Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, particularly for large-scale production projects. This trend threatens the long-term stability of Panama’s economic model, which has recently relied heavily on service sector growth.The findings come from the SIP’s latest economic report, titled “Performance of the Industrial Sector: Perspectives on the Panamanian Economy, Challenges and Opportunities for Industry.” The document, prepared with specialized…

The Panamanian government has introduced legislation to criminalize the wearing of masks during public demonstrations. The executive branch’s Cabinet (government) approved the proposal on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, seeking penalties of two to six years in prison for offenders.This move follows a series of recent protests against social security reforms, where some participants concealed their identities. The bill aims to amend the country’s Penal Code by adding a new article specifically targeting facial coverings used with violent intent.New Penal Article Targets ConcealmentMinister of Government Dinoska Montalvo received authorization to present Bill No. 8-26 to the National Assembly (Panama). The proposed…

A significant earthquake shook the border region between Panama and Costa Rica on Tuesday afternoon. The tremor, with a preliminary earthquake magnitude of 5.5, occurred at 3:38 p.m. local time on February 24, 2026.The University of Panama Institute of Geosciences located the epicenter just 5 kilometers south of Puerto Armuelles in Panama’s Chiriquí province. Seismic activity originated at a depth of 19 kilometers near the international boundary with Costa Rica.Official Reports and Public ResponseAuthorities issued their initial assessment quickly via social media. The institute’s official account posted the basic parameters, classifying the event as preliminary. No immediate reports of casualties…

Panama’s mandated senior discount system, a cornerstone of its retirement appeal, is under significant strain from business owners and fiscal realities. Known locally as “Jubilado” benefits, the program provides sweeping price reductions for retirees but places the full financial burden on the private sector. This arrangement is fueling a visible economic tension as the country moves through 2026.Legal Foundation and Broad EligibilityThe system is not a courtesy. It is a legal right established by Law 6 of 1987 (Panama). This law mandates discounts for Panamanian citizens and qualified foreign residents. Eligibility extends to Panamanian men aged 60 and women aged…