Author: spieper
The credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings has maintained Panama’s sovereign rating at Baa3 while keeping the country’s economic outlook negative. This decision, announced this week, reflects ongoing concerns about Panama’s fiscal consolidation process despite acknowledging some recent government progress. The agency specifically cited budget rigidity and low revenue collection as primary risks to the nation’s financial stability.Moody’s analysis indicates that while the administration of President Jose Raul Mulino has reduced the fiscal deficit for 2025, more substantial government action is required. The agency’s report states that Panama’s debt-to-GDP ratio will continue increasing until at least 2027. This persistent debt growth…
Panama’s Ministry of Public Security has implemented significant changes to how foreigners can present identification when requested by authorities. The new regulations took effect on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, following publication in the Official Gazette of Panama. These modifications represent the first major update to identification procedures in sixteen years. The reforms specifically amend Article 1 of Executive Decree No. 804 from December 22, 2009. President José Raúl Mulino and Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego jointly signed the implementing Executive Decree on November 11. Officials describe the changes as necessary modernization to keep pace with technological advancements while strengthening migration…
José Ruís, the general manager of Tocumen International Airport, has publicly confirmed that current and former airport employees are suspected of involvement in an international drug trafficking network. The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday following a major investigation by the Public Ministry that uncovered a scheme to smuggle illicit substances to Europe. Ruís stated that his administration has already taken steps to bolster security presence at the airport in response to the criminal activity. Authorities dismantled the ring, which allegedly manipulated passenger luggage tags to route bags containing drugs to accomplices in destination countries. The investigation, dubbed…
Copa Airlines is significantly increasing its flight frequency to Panama’s Chiriquí Province, responding to robust passenger demand and growing international tourist interest. The Panamanian carrier will operate up to 25 weekly flights between Panama City and David by February 2026, a move that expands seat capacity by forty percent compared to last year. This expansion underscores the western province’s rising profile as both an economic hub and a premier tourist destination.Airline executives confirmed the schedule, detailing a ramp-up from 20 weekly frequencies in October to 23 flights per week this November. The peak travel season, including the Carnival period in…
The National Customs Authority of Panama has terminated more than 200 employees since the start of a new administrative purge. Customs Director Soraya Valdivieso announced the mass dismissals this week as part of a broader initiative to eradicate corruption and restore institutional integrity. The agency has also referred multiple criminal cases to prosecutors for formal investigation.Valdivieso explained that the separations resulted from two primary factors. Some officials faced dismissal for their direct involvement in corrupt acts, while others lost their positions because they lacked the necessary qualifications and suitability for their roles. This aggressive staffing overhaul signals a significant shift…
Panamanian authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 13.5 tons of cocaine in the central Pacific Ocean, a historic seizure valued at over 200 million dollars. The National Aeronaval Service captured the Tanzanian-flagged boat named Oceanic Tug near San Jose Island in the Las Perlas Archipelago on Sunday, November 9. This massive drug bust has ignited a public controversy after a former maritime official claimed he sold the vessel last year, distancing himself from the illicit operation. Official Details of the Maritime Seizure Officials reported the seizure of 579 packages of cocaine from the Oceanic Tug. Ten foreign nationals were arrested during…
The National Energy Secretariat confirmed new maximum consumer prices for liquid fuels across Panama. The updated prices will take effect from Friday, November 14, 2025, and remain until Thursday, November 27. This biweekly adjustment results in higher costs for the country’s three main petroleum derivatives.Drivers will see increases at the pump for all major fuel types. A liter of 95-octane gasoline will rise from 84.8 cents to 88.0 cents. The price for 91-octane gasoline increases from 81.6 cents to 85.1 cents per liter. Low-sulfur diesel, used extensively for commercial transport, jumps from 81.4 cents to 85.9 cents per liter. The…
The Government of Panama is defending its decision to acquire four military aircraft for 76.3 million dollars. The controversial purchase of the Embraer Super Tucano planes has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures who argue the funds should address urgent public needs like water shortages and healthcare. President Jose Raul Mulino’s administration approved the expenditure as part of a broader initiative to modernize the country’s aerial capabilities.Official documents confirm the contract with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer includes the aircraft, maintenance services, and pilot training. The total cost recently increased by eight million dollars from an initial projection. This acquisition is structured…
More than 1600 job seekers have applied for positions during the first two days of a recruitment fair organized by Chiquita Panama and the Panamanian government. The event, taking place in Changuinola within the Bocas del Toro Province, aims to staff banana plantations following a major labor dispute that halted operations earlier this year. This hiring drive is a critical step to fully restart banana exports from the region by early 2026.Massive Turnout for Agricultural JobsThe job fair began on Tuesday, November 11, and saw an immediate and overwhelming response from the local community. Ministry of Labor and Labor Development…
Panama City has officially launched its Christmas season with the arrival of the first natural pine tree shipments from the United States and Canada. The festive imports, a beloved tradition in Panamanian homes, started clearing agricultural quarantine this weekend. This annual customs process ensures the holiday trees do not introduce foreign pests into the local ecosystem.Agricultural authorities reported that seven containers of trees from Canada were processed over the weekend. Another seven containers originating from the state of Oregon are expected to arrive by the end of the week. These shipments mark the beginning of a busy import season that…