Author: Sebastian Pieper
Panamanian legislator Ernesto Cedeño is demanding a formal law passed by the National Assembly to regulate the country’s transport sector. He argues that improvised executive decrees are illegal and favor special interests over drivers and passengers. The deputy filed a lawsuit with the nation’s highest court to challenge the current regulatory framework. Cedeño made his case during a recent interview on the news program Noticias AM. He stated that the existing decrees, which aim to organize selective transport services, could actually consolidate the power of brokerage firms known as ‘prestatarias’. These firms manage taxi permits and act as intermediaries for…
The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic of Panama issued a formal clarification this Wednesday, April 22, regarding its use of unpaid administrative leave for state employees under investigation. The statement directly addresses concerns raised by National Assembly deputies about the scope and application of this measure within the legislative branch.This clarification comes in response to inquiries from deputies Roberto Zúñiga and Luis Duque. They had publicly requested an explanation after alleging that approximately 40 officials linked to their political bloc saw their payments withheld. The comptroller’s office, the nation’s supreme audit institution, moved to define the legal…
Dr. Pablo Moreno Franco has become the first Latino physician inducted into the Medical Hall of Fame in the United States. The Panamanian specialist, who works at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, received the honor for his international contributions to healthcare and his pioneering work integrating technology into medicine. His induction highlights a career dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation. The recognition was announced this week, placing Moreno Franco among an elite group of medical professionals honored for transformative work. His current focus involves the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare within clinical settings. These tools are already…
Panama’s government has enacted a new executive decree to attract international scientists and researchers through a specialized immigration pathway. The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) announced the policy this week, aiming to bring between 25 and 50 foreign experts to the country. Officials framed the move as a critical step to accelerate Panama’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy by addressing a significant shortage of specialized human capital. Executive Decree No. 6, dated March 20, 2026, establishes a new permanent residency subcategory specifically for scientists and technologists. Published in the Official Gazette, the decree creates a formal framework…
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works (MOP) will completely close the Bridge of the Americas for four hours this Thursday night. The full vehicular shutdown is for a critical structural load testing procedure following a recent fire incident near the bridge’s foundations. The closure is scheduled from 10:00 p.m. on April 23 until 2:00 a.m. on April 24. Officials stated the controlled test will apply weight to the structure to collect technical data and verify its safety for all users. This action comes just weeks after a dramatic fire erupted dangerously close to the bridge’s support bases. Precautionary Measures After Nearby…
Global temperatures continue to climb, with 2024 confirmed as the warmest year on record, followed by 2025. This stark reality underscores the critical message of Earth Day 2026, observed on April 22, as scientists and international bodies call for accelerated action against climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) states the planet’s climate is increasingly “unbalanced.” Its forecasts indicate a 70 percent likelihood that temperatures will temporarily exceed the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels in some periods. This threshold represents the recommended limit set by the international Paris Agreement to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming.…
Jaime Alemán, a Panamanian lawyer and diplomat, has become the first person in history to visit all United Nations member states, reach both poles, and travel to space. He completed this unprecedented feat, dubbed the “Travel Grand Slam,” with a suborbital flight on May 31, 2025. Alemán has now chronicled his six-decade journey in a free digital book titled “The Grand Slam of Travel,” available on his website. The book details a lifetime of exploration that began with childhood curiosity about distant lands. His quest officially concluded with the Blue Origin NS-32 mission, cementing a record that blends extreme tourism…
Panama’s legislative committee on governance unanimously approved a bill targeting public sector “no show jobs” in its first debate this week. The proposed law, known as the Anti Botella Law, would impose stiff prison sentences for officials who accept salaries for work they do not perform. Deputy Janine Prado from the Vamos bloc confirmed the progress of Bill 408. The legislation seeks to amend Article 349 of Panama’s Criminal Code. It would establish non-commutable prison terms of six to eight years for public servants who accept appointments without providing the corresponding service. An aggravated penalty of eight to ten years…
More than 40,000 transport operators have now registered for Panama’s new digital platform to access subsidized fuel. The National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG) reported the sustained increase in registrations, with expectations for the number to keep climbing in the coming days. Authorities launched the system last week to directly mitigate the impact of global fuel price spikes on key economic sectors. The program aims to prevent fare increases for public passengers and maintain national competitiveness by supporting transport operators. System Processes Over One Million Dollars in Transactions Adolfo Fábrega, the administrator of the National Authority for Government Innovation (Panama),…
Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez concluded a series of high-level meetings in London this week. His official visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties with the United Kingdom across infrastructure, air connectivity, and international security. The talks aimed to position Panama as a stable investment hub and a key strategic partner for Britain in Latin America. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed the minister’s packed agenda, which included discussions with British government officials and private sector leaders. Central themes were Panama’s major infrastructure projects, enhanced cooperation against transnational crime, and the pursuit of a direct flight route between the capitals.…