Author: spieper

The National Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression has categorically rejected all threats, aggression, and intimidation against journalists in Panama, emphasizing that free and safe journalism is essential to democracy. The organization issued a public statement on Thursday, October 23, 2025, condemning a recent incident at the National Assembly where an individual posing as a journalist entered the legislative building and disrupted proceedings.The incident occurred during press coverage at the Panamanian National Assembly, prompting the Forum to demand rigorous verification of credentials and accreditation for access to spaces representing the press corps. The Forum stressed that this practice is…

The Panamanian Association of Realtors and Real Estate Promoters (Acobir) has announced that the Expo Inmobiliaria Acobir 2026, one of the country’s most significant property fairs, will take place from January 22 to 25, 2026, at the Panama Convention Center. The event aims to secure bank approvals exceeding $80 million, marking its debut as the first major industry showcase to operate under Panama’s new Preferential Interest Law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.This flagship real estate exposition will feature over 100 exhibitors and more than 300 residential, commercial, and tourism projects. Organizers confirmed the event will offer options for…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) is expanding its network of affordable food markets, known as “agroferias,” across multiple provinces this Friday. The initiative aims to provide Panamanian families with direct access to staple foods at below-market prices as part of the government’s ongoing food security strategy. The agroferias will operate simultaneously in nine locations spanning eight provinces, including Herrera, Veraguas, Chiriquí, Coclé, Panama Oeste, Panama Este, Los Santos, and the capital district. All markets will open at 8:00 a.m., offering a comprehensive selection of essential items from the basic food basket. View this post on…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The district of Arraiján in West Panama will enforce a total ban on alcohol sales for 24 hours on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in observance of the Day of the Dead. The measure, established by official decree, aims to ensure public order and citizen security during a national day of remembrance.The prohibition is mandated by Decree No. 7 from August 19, 2024, which was formally published in the Official Gazette No. 30152-B. The “Ley Seca,” or Dry Law, will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on November 2, encompassing the entire district.Scope of…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have formally committed to restoring at least 10,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems in Panama. The joint initiative, part of the nation’s groundbreaking Panama with Nature Pact, aims to mobilize resources and align existing investments to address a “triple environmental crisis.”The commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting between Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro and FAO representatives. The restoration efforts will be concentrated in the Azuero peninsula and the Darién region, utilizing established programs and new funding mechanisms to combat climate change, biodiversity…

Panama City, Panama – The Dr. José Renán Esquivel Children’s Hospital has reported treating at least 179 children for burn injuries between January and June 2025, with most victims being between one and four years old. According to hospital officials, the majority of these incidents occurred within homes and were entirely preventable, prompting renewed calls for enhanced safety measures.Dr. Marvis Corro, a Pediatrician specializing in burns at the hospital, emphasized that most injuries result from scalds caused by hot liquids or oil. The hospital revealed this concerning data during a training session held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, designed to…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – For the first time in its six-decade history, Industrias Panamá Boston has begun exporting its Panamanian-made soaps to Central America. The company announced this week that shipments to Costa Rica commenced in September, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy and projecting annual exports of over 1.2 million units.This strategic move represents a new chapter for the Panamanian consumer goods manufacturer, which has been a staple in the domestic market since the 1960s. The export initiative is backed by the company’s advanced manufacturing process and its use of both international and locally sourced renewable…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Panamanian government has approved a legislative proposal to transform the Ministry of Women into the National Institute of Women (Inamu). The Council of Ministers approved the measure, known as Draft Law 3425, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, initiating a major restructuring of the nation’s primary agency for women’s rights.The move, announced by President José Raúl Mulino earlier this year as part of a broader institutional modernization plan, aims to create a more efficient and technically focused entity. Officials state the change is designed to strengthen the agency’s role in coordinating public policy for women across…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The National Assembly of Panama definitively approved a controversial bill on Tuesday that modifies requirements for practicing law, setting up a potential constitutional confrontation with President José Raúl Mulino. Law 168, which seeks to modify Law 350 of 2022 and relax the standards for obtaining legal certification, passed its third and final debate by insistence with 50 votes in favor, zero against, and zero abstentions.The approval came after the Government Commission recommended no changes to the original proposal that President Mulino had previously vetoed. The bill now returns to the president’s desk, where he must decide…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) in Panama registered a slight increase of 9 points but remains mired in pessimistic territory at 79 points, according to a September 2025 survey released by The Marketing Group and the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (CCIAP). The persistently low figure reveals deep-seated public anxiety about the nation’s economic future, driven by high unemployment and widespread informal labor.The survey, a key barometer of household economic sentiment, highlights a stark disconnect between macroeconomic growth indicators and the daily financial realities of most Panamanians. Despite the minor uptick, the index remains…