Author: Sebastian Pieper

Panama has launched a multi-day consultation process to shape the Panama artist law, a legislative framework designed to secure labor rights and social protections for cultural workers. The Ministry of Culture convened technical working sessions on Monday, October 26, with guidance from the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), running through October 28. The initiative positions Panama as one of only two pilot countries in the Ibero-American region selected to develop this legal instrument. It draws directly from the Charter of the Artist and Cultural Worker in Ibero-America, with additional backing from the Spanish Agency for…

Every November 4, Panama pauses to honor something deeper than a holiday on the calendar. The observance known as National Symbols Day celebrates the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem, three emblems born from the urgency of a newborn republic. What many don’t realize is how quickly these icons took shape after separation from Colombia on November 3, 1903. Within a single generation, a country that had existed only as a Colombian department crafted a visual and auditory identity that would anchor its sovereignty for over a century. The legal foundation for this commemoration sits in Law…

President José Raúl Mulino marked the Panama independence anniversary on Sunday by underscoring national sovereignty and pledging that the government will fulfill its reconstruction commitments following last month’s earthquake. The official ceremonies began at 7:00 a.m. with the raising of the national flag outside the Palacio de Las Garzas in Panama City. Mulino, accompanied by First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, cabinet ministers, and other authorities, presided over the protocol events commemorating 123 years since Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. The president handed the national flag to standard-bearer Ricardo Gago Salinero, whom he described as a dedicated collaborator of…

Panama and Spain signed a new General Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on Tuesday, replacing an agreement that had governed bilateral ties since 1953. The signing took place in Madrid, where Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares formalized the updated framework for Spain Panama relations. The treaty aims to expand economic exchange, identify commercial and technological opportunities, and deepen advanced cooperation between the two nations. Martínez-Acha Vásquez traveled to the Spanish capital to represent President José Raúl Mulino at the XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. Modernizing Spain Panama Relations…

President Donald J. Trump congratulates Panama on its 123rd anniversary of republican life, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to what he called one of America’s most trusted partners in the region. The message, addressed to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on November 3, highlighted unprecedented humanitarian assistance delivered within 24 hours of the October 9 earthquake that struck the country. Trump’s letter underscored deepening bilateral ties throughout the year, citing joint participation in regional security coalitions and renewed military cooperation. The White House communication comes as both nations navigate complex discussions over critical infrastructure and maritime operations. Trump Congratulates Panama and Highlights…

Panamanian authorities intercepted a low-profile semi-submersible vessel south of Punta Burica in Chiriquí province, seizing 2,560 packages of suspected narcotics and arresting three foreign nationals in what officials are calling the largest Panama drug seizure ever conducted via this type of vessel. The National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) confirmed the operation occurred during routine maritime patrol and illicit traffic control missions. The interdiction represents an estimated $102.4 million economic blow to drug trafficking logistics networks operating in Panamanian waters. Panama Drug Seizure Operation Details and Tactical Response The intercepted craft was a low-profile vessel (LPV), an artisanal construction specifically designed to…

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Panama today, Saturday, October 31 at 10:50 a.m. local time, rattling communities across Los Santos province and prompting a temporary evacuation of the Panama Metro system. The 5.9 Panama earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located 20 kilometers northeast of Tonosí, according to revised data from the University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences (IGC). No material damage or injuries were reported as of Saturday afternoon. The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) confirmed it was maintaining constant monitoring from its Emergency Operations Center in coordination with the IGC. View this…

The University of Panama confirmed Saturday that the Panama university reopening will commence Monday, October 19, with a staggered return to in-person classes across select faculties. The decision follows structural inspections of campus facilities and a review of conditions affecting students, particularly those at regional centers impacted by the October 9 earthquake. Rector Dr. José Emilio Moreno authorized the move after coordinating with deans and regional directors. The university aims to guarantee an orderly and safe reincorporation to academic activities while acknowledging the material losses suffered by many families in recent days. View this post on Instagram A post shared…

Panama’s securities regulator has confirmed twice, in 2018 and again in 2025, that cryptocurrency and token schemes fall outside its licensing requirements. The country’s securities law never mentions cryptoassets, virtual assets, or tokens, leaving a regulatory vacuum as three legislative proposals await their first debate in the National Assembly. Crypto Assets in Panamanian Law: Mentions and Regulatory Gaps 0 Times the law’s consolidated text mentions crypto assets, virtual assets, or tokens 3+ Virtual asset bills introduced and pending without a first debate date 2018 Year of the regulator’s first opinion: “the ‘token’ is not considered a security” 2+ Superintendency opinions…

Panama’s government reported Saturday that earthquake reconstruction progress has reached a major infrastructure milestone, with 92 percent of damaged roads now open to traffic following the October 9 seismic event. Officials also confirmed that all 22 bridges identified with structural concerns have reopened, though some remain under restricted use pending full rehabilitation. The announcement came during a press conference led by José Ramón Icaza, minister for Canal Affairs and secretary of Presidential Goals, who outlined housing recovery plans, social assistance figures, and ongoing risk monitoring across affected provinces. Housing Strategy Tailored to Structural Damage Icaza explained that housing solutions will…