Author: Sebastian Pieper
The Panamanian Episcopal Conference issued a strong statement this week expressing its full support for Pope Leo XIV. The declaration comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the Pontiff’s calls for peace in the Iran conflict.Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama and Bishop Luis Enrique Saldaña of David signed the document. Titled “For respect for the Petrine ministry and the mission of the Catholic Church,” it defends the Pope’s spiritual authority over global political matters. The bishops released their message from Panama City, aiming to clarify the Church’s role on the world stage.The statement argues the Pope’s…
Angela Russo officially assumed the role of Panama’s Ombudsman for the 2026-2031 term in a ceremony at the National Assembly of Panama. The former Supreme Court magistrate was sworn in on Monday by legislative president Jorge Herrera. Her appointment follows a vote by the full assembly and marks the start of a new chapter for the nation’s top human rights office. Russo secured her position with 37 votes in favor after a nomination process conducted via a minority report. She will formally begin her duties this Thursday, April 16. The event was also attended by the assembly’s secretary general, Carlos…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has partially vetoed a bill that sought to establish a separate judicial circuit for West Panama province. The executive branch returned Bill 229 to the National Assembly of Panama this week, citing significant financial and organizational impacts as the primary reasons for its inconvenience. The proposed legislation had already passed three debates in the national legislature. It aimed to allow residents of West Panama to process civil, criminal, juvenile, and labor cases within their own jurisdiction, rather than traveling to circuits based in Panama City. Executive Branch Cites Fiscal and Structural Impact In a detailed…
The Republic of Panama has finalized a major international loan agreement with Citibank N.A. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (Panama) confirmed the deal this week, securing up to 2.5 billion dollars at a fixed annual interest rate of 2.39 percent. Officials said the funds will manage upcoming debt payments and provide budget liquidity for the 2026 fiscal year. Formalized through Ministerial Resolution MEF-RES-2026-1200, the loan is denominated in Swiss francs but will be disbursed in U.S. dollars. The three year financing arrangement matures on March 20, 2029. Panama’s government emphasized the transaction is a strategic move to lock in…
A surge of gang related violence has struck multiple neighborhoods across Panama City this week, resulting in more than a dozen fatalities. Authorities link the killings to a bloody dispute between fragmented criminal groups fighting for control of local territory. The violent spree began on Monday, April 6, according to preliminary police reports. A young man was killed in broad daylight on Domingo Díaz Avenue in an attack witnesses say involved multiple gunshots. The brazen shooting, described by officials as a potential contract killing, occurred around 2:00 p.m., alarming drivers and pedestrians. Coordinated Attacks Spread Fear Just 24 hours later,…
A major business association in Panama is calling for urgent action to create coordinated emergency protocols for strategic infrastructure. The demand follows a tanker truck explosion that forced the closure of the vital Panama Canal crossing last week. The incident paralyzed traffic and exposed a critical gap in national crisis management. The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) issued the warning in its weekly publication. The statement, signed by President Giulia De Sanctis, described the April 6th explosion under the Bridge of the Americas as a national wake-up call. The event in the La Boca area halted all traffic on…
Three documentary film projects received development funding this week at the seventh annual Documental Panama awards. The ceremony took place during the 14th edition of the International Film Festival of Panama, highlighting stories that capture the essence of the country’s neighborhoods. Organized by TVN Media with the Alberto Motta Foundation, the initiative aims to strengthen national cinematic talent and cultural identity. Thirty four proposals were submitted for consideration under the theme “Neighborhoods as the living essence of the country.” A jury shortlisted ten projects in March before selecting the three final winners. These films will now move into full production…
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) has issued a new roadmap for national development. In his first institutional message, newly elected President Aurelio Barría Pino committed the business group to an active role in tackling the country’s most pressing challenges. This call to action comes during a period of significant political transition. The chamber’s editorial, “La Cámara Opina,” acknowledges recent progress in areas like fiscal discipline and institutional strengthening. It argues, however, that deep structural issues can no longer be postponed. “Panama is undergoing important changes, but there are structural challenges that cannot be left for…
A Panamanian labor court opened proceedings on Friday, April 10, 2026, in a historic case that seeks the judicial dissolution of a major national union. The lawsuit, filed by the government’s Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Panama), targets the Single Union of Construction Workers and Similar Industries (Suntracs).Judge Rafael Antonio Pinzón Vásquez of the First Labor Court convened the hearing at the Edison Center in Panama City. The case represents an unprecedented legal challenge against one of the country’s most influential labor organizations.Court Seeks Agreement, Parties Opt for TrialJudge Pinzón opened the session by urging both sides to consider…
The 54th annual Veraguas Fair opened its gates in Soná this week, launching a ten-day event projected to significantly stimulate the local and provincial economy. Organizers anticipate roughly 60,000 visitors will attend the fair, which is designed to boost tourism, commerce, and employment across the region. This year’s edition features a full schedule of folkloric activities, cattle exhibitions, popular dances, amusement park rides, and live musical performances. A prominent showcase for the region’s agricultural and equestrian heritage, the fair includes dedicated exhibitions for the finely-gaited Paso Fino horse. The event transforms the district into a central hub for cultural celebration…