Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 10 Author Moderators Share Posted March 10 Quote Rómulo Roux: Women as Priority Pillars of Panamanian Society Posted 09/03/2024 Presidential candidate Rómulo Roux announced in La Chorrera that his plan for the creation of 500,000 jobs has women as one of its priority pillars. “Women are not asking for anything for free, they have earned through their education and their work the right to more opportunities and well-paid work. My program of 500,000 new jobs has as one of its pillars generating well-paid work for women, because this impacts them, their families and their communities,” explained Roux. Roux highlighted the fact that Panamanian women, although they still face discrimination and find it twice as difficult to emerge, are making fundamental contributions to both the economy and society. “They are the ones who have been studying for the longest years, and thanks to their leadership, critical issues for our families such as mental health, education, bullying and sustainability, have gained visibility,” he explained. In his opinion, the contribution of Panamanian women to science, the arts, business, sports and politics is increasingly greater, and will not stop growing. Roux said that his Cabinet will be represented by at least 50% women. In addition, he listed some of the actions contained in his Government Plan. Enforce equal pay. To equal work, equal salary. Invest in the early care of our children, in well-equipped Early Childhood Comprehensive Care Centers so that childcare stops being an obstacle and women can work and continue studying. With the Center for Attention to Intrafamily (CAVI), care for abused women to help them recover their lives. Establish financing and training for women entrepreneurs. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/romulo-roux-women-as-priority-pillars-of-panamanian-society Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 11 Author Moderators Share Posted March 11 Quote Don't be Deceived by False Presidential Campaign Promises Posted 10/03/2024 With only a few weeks left until the general elections in the country on May the 5th, the metropolitan archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, encouraged citizens not to be “deceived” by the false promises of some candidates. “Analyze their proposals, the life path of the candidate and examine the differences between each presidential candidate.” said Ulloa in his Sunday message March 10th. Ulloa also urged Panamanians not to be impressed by advertising campaigns and don't trust campaign promises. The Catholic Church does not recommend any candidate and only seeks to educate each of its congregation members to make the best decisions, for the good of the country. A total of 3,004,083 citizens will be eligible to vote in the general election on Sunday, May 5th 2024 in which 1,511,049 (50.3%) are women and 1,493,034 (49.7%) are men, according to statistics provided by the Electoral Tribunal of Panama. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/dont-be-deceived-by-false-presidential-campaign-promises Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 13 Author Moderators Share Posted March 13 Quote Second Panama Presidential Debate Wednesday March 13 in David Posted 12/03/2024 Wednesday March 13th the second presidential debate will be held at the Sports Center "La Basita" in David, Chiriqui Province, and it seems to be generating lots of interest among the younger population. During this event, the young people will have the opportunity to ask presidential candidates a series of questions directly regarding their expectations and concerns about the state of our country of Panama. According to several young folks, crucial issues such as education, the economy, security and job opportunities require urgent attention, and therefore they are demanding solid and intelligent responses from candidates. One student says that he expects that candidates will promise things they can't actually deliver, given that they have made multiple promises in the past that have not materialized. Smart kids!!! For this reason, it’s important that candidates set attainable goals. The second debate will be streamed across all platforms, providing access to a wide audience. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/second-panama-presidential-debate-wednesday-march-13-in-david-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 15 Author Moderators Share Posted March 15 Quote Second Panama Presidential Debate Posted 14/03/2024 The audience was made up of young people, the age group with the most difficulties in getting a job. The younger set was ready to ask questions and 18 year old Jordi Mastino had the first question. “What initiatives will you develop to reduce unemployment among young people who have recently graduated from university? Rómulo Roux, candidate of Cambio Democrático and the Panameñista Party, promised that if he becomes president of the Republic he will generate 500 thousand jobs in five years, through a program that he would call “My first job”, with which internships would be offered to young people and tax benefits for companies that are part of the program. His goal, he added, is for 15 thousand young people to learn English every year. Candidate José Gabriel Carrizo, of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party and the Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement, brought this information to the attention of Rómulo Roux. “Between May 2022 and August 2023, around 25,662 young people between 15 and 29 years old found employment, 6,313 lost it and 84,569 searched but did not find it.” Carrizo accused Roux of copying programs that the current government is already executing, and opted for the installation of semiconductor factories as a quick employment generator. Carrizo also promised to reduce the mortgage rate so that young people can have access to homes. Martín Torrijos, from the Popular Party, will launch the “My first job” program, for university graduates looking for work. “We have to link what you study with what the market needs.” The debate on reducing unemployment generated great expectations, understanding that young people face a lack of job opportunities and uncertainty about their economic future. Maribel Gordón, through free application, said that one will be able to live off of art and culture. “In my government, your technical and university degrees will be valid. That is the commitment to youth,” added the candidate. Ricardo Lombana, from the Otro Camino Movement, committed to promoting the so-called “apprentice program” in an attempt for companies to hire young people between 18 and 25 years old for three years and receive benefits. He also spoke of the need for a non-refundable support fund to support entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on technology and “eliminating the political lever, creating poles of national development and in the provinces.” Melitón Arrocha, of the free application, was inclined to establish an incubator of ideas to rescue young people who have projects related to technology. Zulay Rodríguez, candidate for free nomination, resorted to her strong-arm speech against irregular migration, warning young people that migrants have “taken away” 100,000 jobs from them. With a mostly young audience and national television broadcasting, the pressure on candidates to offer concrete and viable solutions was evident, in a country in which 262,874 new employment contracts were registered last year, 9% more than the year before in 2022, but 30% less than before the pandemic. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/second-panama-presidential-debate-news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 18 Author Moderators Share Posted March 18 Quote Zulay Rodríguez Wants to Close the Darién Gap Posted 17/03/2024 The candidate for the presidency of Panama, Zulay Rodríguez, proposed as part of her campaign to “close” the Darién Gap in order to mitigate the migratory wave of recent years. “Close the border,” declared the free candidate when asked about the migration crisis in Darién, a jungle through which more than 85,000 people have already passed so far this year on their way to the United States. In Zulay's opinion, the area is managed by criminal groups and stained with corruption. “We must put in more security forces, National Border Service units (Senafront). There's a lot of corruption. We know that the police authorities are robbing, raping and kidnapping migrants, minor girls,” declared the candidate. Rodríguez explained that after doing an “investigation” in the Darién she discovered that “every day they rape a hundred or so women in Bajo Chiquito (the first town where migrants arrive after crossing the jungle) not in Colombia (but) in Panama”. When I went to see why Panama is allowing this, I realized that it is because of the food (and) transportation negotiations. They have made everything a business and they charge them 25% of what the relatives send to the migrants,” denounced Rodríguez. She pointed out that on this dangerous route some women and minors are “raped” by armed groups and “security establishments” of Panama while some of the men are brutally beaten. Zulay Rodríguez Lu (born June 20, 1969) is a Panamanian lawyer, professor, and politician. Currently she is in 5th position out of 8 Presidential candidates at 7% of the vote. Mulino/Martinelli are at 40%, Ricardo Lombana at 11%, Martin Torrijos at 9%, Romulo Roux at 8%, Jose Carizo at 4% and 21% are currently undecided. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/zulay-rodriguez-wants-to-close-the-darien-gap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 18 Author Moderators Share Posted March 18 Quote Martinelli Advertising to be Removed Posted 17/03/2024 The TE has reiterated that it was ordered to remove all advertising about former President Martinelli after his disqualification from running in the May 5th Presidential election. The Electoral Court (TE) has stated that the plenary session rejected a request from the Realizing Goals party (RM). The request was that the “Martinelli/Mulino” logo and the photo would appear on the voting ballot for May 5th for the presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino. In a statement from the TE it is noted that the decision to reject the request was made “because they believe that it will be used for electoral propaganda purposes.” The agreements confirming the disqualification of Ricardo Martinelli as a presidential candidate and as a deputy require the removal of all electoral propaganda where the former president Martinelli appears. "The plenary session of the TE announced that both the photo with a caption and the Martinelli/Mulino logo cannot be approved, since the authorization of the photo and the advertising material, would create confusion in the electorate, because they imply that there is a non-existent presidential listing, affecting the integrity of the electoral process". On March 4, the Electoral Court received notification from the Judicial Branch about the conviction in the New Business case, which establishes that Martinelli has a sentence of 10 years and 8 months in prison for money laundering. Previously, the TE had warned that it needed this formal notification to begin the process of disqualifying Martinelli as a presidential candidate for Realando Metas and the Alianza party. According to article 180 of the Constitution, a person sentenced to five years or more in prison is prohibited from being elected president or vice president of the Republic. The sentence imposed on Martinelli is 128 months in prison. Martinelli has been barricaded in the Nicaraguan embassy, located in the La Alameda urbanization, since last February 7th five days after the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice announced that it would not admit his appeal against the conviction for this case. José Raúl Mulino leads in Panama’s Presidential race, replacing disqualified Martinelli. A 64-year-old lawyer, Mulino was one of the leaders of the so-called Civilist Crusade that opposed the dictatorship of General Manuel Antonio Noriega (1983-1989). 26% of voters who have been surveyed said they would vote for Mulino in the May 5th election, who currently is 16 points ahead of his competitors. He is followed by Ricardo Lombana and former president Martín Torrijos (2004-2009), both with 10.8%, and lawyer Rómulo Roux with 10.2%. There are 20% undecided voters. Zulay Rodríguez has 6.7% of the vote and near the bottom is no surprise, the social-democratic ruling party candidate José Gabriel Carrizo, who lands in sixth place among the eight candidates with 6.5%. In Panama, presidential elections are held in a single round and are won by a simple majority. The term is five years. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martinelli-advertising-to-be-removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 21 Author Moderators Share Posted March 21 Quote Pet Hospital Election Promise From José Raúl Mulino Posted 20/03/2024 The presidential candidate for the alliance of parties Realizing Goals and Alliance, José Raúl Mulino, toured the community of Betania in the Capital district this Wednesday, ensuring that the pet hospital will be a reality in his government. Mulino stated that this work will allow many Panamanians to give the veterinary care that their pets deserve, while pointing out that the problems of garbage collection and drinking water in this community will be addressed with good management in his government. In addition, he reiterated that many job opportunities will be created. José Raúl Mulino, who along with his wife, Maricel de Mulino, also accompanied the candidate for mayor of the capital city, Sergio “Chello” Gálvez, to inaugurate his campaign center in Betania, explained that the pet hospital is a social proposal that was born from the Martinelli-Mulino formula with the aim of facilitating veterinary care for pets in thousands of homes, since currently private care is very expensive and, many times, out of reach of many people. He stressed that the pet hospital is a work that will benefit homes from all walks of life or every home that has one or more pets. Mulino also clarified that this hospital will not only treat dogs and cats, but all animals considered pets. The candidate pointed out that the pet hospital will allow veterinary students from the University of Panama to do their professional practice in these facilities. During the tour of the Betania community, Mulino and “Chello” Gálvez were accompanied by candidates and supporters of the RM and Alianza parties. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/pet-hospital-election-promise-from-jose-raul-mulino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 21 Author Moderators Share Posted March 21 Quote Martin Torrijos Meets with Food Producers Posted 20/03/2024 The presidential candidate, Martin Torrijos, met with representatives of the productive sector of legumes, vegetables, coffee and bananas, to whom he reiterated that his proposal includes the transformation of the agricultural sector to guarantee food security and financial support. The meeting, held in the district of Paso Ancho and which lasted one hour, allowed producers to raise their concerns and problems that afflict the productive sector, such as improvements and construction of production roads, marketing, access to technology, financing and modernization of the agricultural sector, which gives them access to more support from the institutions responsible for serving those who work to produce food in the country. "With producers it is always a pleasant opportunity; we have pending challenges to overcome, an association that recovers time and takes us along a path of well-being and progress, and that producers are paid fairly and consumers have affordable products," said the former president. to local media. Torrijos Espino added that there is a lack of institutional support from the entities involved in agriculture, in addition to an enormous debt with the producers, who are promised to be paid off, but are not fulfilled. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martin-torrijos-meets-with-food-producers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 22 Author Moderators Share Posted March 22 Quote Martin Torrijos Defends José Raúl Mulino Posted 22/03/2024 There are attempts by those in power to try and disqualify front runner José Raúl Mulino from running for President in the Panama election that will be decided on May 5th. The former president of the Republic, Martín Torrijos, rejected this Thursday the attempts to disqualify the presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino. Torrijos stressed that he does not agree with the attempt to disqualify Mulino, which in his opinion is due to the fear of other candidates who have been left behind. "There are some who are not in the race, no matter how much media tries to help them or favor them or how much money they have, so they are walking away and losing the opportunity. They think that the way to have an opportunity is to disqualify people. I'm here," Torrijos told Radio Panama. The Popular Party candidate pointed out that whoever wishes to participate should do so and that everything must be decided at the polls. "I want to win with the majority of Panamanian votes, I don't want to win by forfeit, I don't agree with this," he said. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martin-torrijos-defends-jose-raul-mulino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 23 Author Moderators Share Posted March 23 Quote José Raúl Mulino in Chiriqui This Weekend Posted 22/03/2024 The presidential candidate, José Raúl Mulino, brought his national tour to the province of Chiriquí this weekend. He spoke about the much talked about ‘train’, he maintained that he will put the situation of migrants in order, in addition to solving the problem of drinking water in Chiriquí and the rest of the country by restructuring the Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN). Mulino, who was accompanied by his wife Maricel de Mulino, along with friends and supporters, along with a life-size sign picturing Mr. Martinelli, spoke to the people of Chiriquí to tell them that the flagship work of the Martinelli-Mulino formula is to build the Panama-David train, which will enhance the logistics sector and will bring together all the people of the country. “We are going to shorten distances to bring lives closer.” https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/jose-raul-mulino-in-chiriqui-this-weekend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 24 Author Moderators Share Posted March 24 Quote José Raúl Mulino Visits Chiriqui with Greetings from Ricardo Martinelli Posted 23/03/2024 The presidential candidate for the alliance of the Realizing Goals and Alliance parties, José Raúl Mulino, made his second day tour through Chiriquí this Saturday, affirming the proposals that Martinelli-Mulino have for the high-impact sectors of this province, such as agriculture, tourism and economic reactivation. “We will bring more ‘chen chen’ to the pockets of Panamanians,” Mulino said before dozens of supporters, activists and candidates of his party that is favored to win on May 5th in all polls. Mulino's tour included the communities of Dolega, Concepción in Bugaba and Puerto Armuelles in Barú, where he indicated that he will govern alongside the agricultural sector that will be well represented and cared for, so that the hardships of the last two governments do not happen. “Bugaba is a highly agricultural region that produces milk, meat, vegetables, and water but it is having a hard time. There is no reason for rich towns to be struggling and we must help so that poor towns can be rich towns with the efforts of all of us,” said Mulino, promising the Bugabeños that he will finish the construction of their hospital. He added that this medical center will be a source of pride for medical care, “the era of people's works being stopped for political revenge is over. No more political revenge.” Mulino once again highlighted the proposal for the David-Panama Train. “I have arrived in the land of the train,” said the presidential candidate, pointing out that this project will generate many jobs in its construction phase, as happened with the old railway that linked Bugaba with Puerto Armuelles. This construction will begin in the province of Chiriquí, all the way to Panama City. This great train will be our crowning work,” Mulino announced. He stated that this train will boost national tourism and the movement of commercial cargo, generating progress, employment and ‘buco chen chen’ for all Panamanians. Mulino highlighted the effort that his government will make to rescue Panama's tourism, giving full support to the private sector and creating policies that will encourage the arrival of tourists. “We are going to make Panama's tourism soaring again.” Mulino also said that he will appoint a trained person in the Panama Tourism Authority so that, together with the tourism chambers of the entire country, a new tourism offer aimed at the international market can be put together. In the afternoon Mulino arrived in Puerto Armuelles where he was received by the deputy candidate Osman Gómez of the Alianza party, who arrived accompanied by more than 5 thousand supporters. There Mulino made a walk from the Malecón to the park where he passed along a message: “Greetings from Ricardo Martinelli; I know what was generated in Puerto Armuelles and I know what has to be done so that they can experience great things again, as they deserve. We need you to do what needs to be done in Puerto Armuelles.” He also reaffirmed again: “Chiricano votes Chiricano… Meto.” https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/jose-raul-mulino-visits-chiriqui-with-greetings-from-ricardo-martinelli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 24 Author Moderators Share Posted March 24 Quote 3rd Presidential Debate April 17th Posted 24/03/2024 The third official debate of the 2024 presidential electoral process happens on April 17th at the Anayansi Theater of the Atlapa Convention Center, an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, and the Electoral Tribunal (TE), with the production of Corporación Medcom. It will focus on 4 themes: Employment and entrepreneurship Water and sustainability Institutionality Social development Unlike the previous two, this face to face will be divided into four blocks. In the first, each candidate will have 30 seconds to introduce themselves. In the second, each one will have one minute and 30 seconds to talk about their proposals regarding the topics of the debate. While the candidate speaks, any of her opponents can reply for 45 seconds. To do this he must press a button and whoever does it the fastest can reply first, and so on. In the third block, candidates will have 15 seconds to ask another question. A draw will be held to determine who asks whom. Whoever responds will have 45 seconds to speak. While the fourth block is for the conclusions. You will have one minute to say goodbye. However, along the way this methodology could receive modifications, as some campaigns have shown concern about the dynamics of some of the blocks. On April 10th a draw will be held to establish the order in which the candidates will participate. The first debate was held on February 26th and the second was held on March 13th. In both, seven of the eight presidential candidates have participated: José Gabriel Carrizo , from the Democratic Revolutionary Party and Molirena; Martín Torrijo s, from the Popular Party; Rómulo Roux , from Cambio Democrático and the Panameñista Party; Ricardo Lombana, from the Other Path Movement; as well as Melitón Arrocha, Zulay Rodríguez, and Maribel Gordón, candidates for free nomination. José Raúl Mulino, candidate of the Realizing Goals and Alianza parties, has already announced that he will not attend. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/3rd-presidential-debate-april-17th Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 28 Author Moderators Share Posted March 28 Quote Easter Politics in Panama Posted 27/03/2024 Martín Torrijos denounced José Gabriel Carrizo for a publication in X where he linked him to millions from Odebrecht. One day they were co-partisans, today they are not only political adversaries, but they also fight a duel in the electoral instances. The president and vice-president are elected on a single ballot for a five-year term by direct popular vote. Presidents are not allowed to immediately run for re-election, but can run again after waiting five years. The Attorney General of the Nation, Javier Caraballo, sent his opinion to the Supreme Court of Justice related to the claim of unconstitutionality regarding the presidential candidacy of José Raúl Mulino as standard bearer of the Realando Meta y Alianza groups. Attorney Caraballo confirmed that his opinion is that Mulino's candidacy is not unconstitutional. The attorney indicated that he sent a lengthy 45-page opinion. Political scientist José Stoute is speculating that José Raúl Mulino has a formal pact with former President Ricardo Martinelli, which is that, if he wins the Presidency on May 5th he will bring to the Assembly a project to achieve an amnesty for the former President, Ricardo Martinelli. The Panama Executive Branch includes a president and one vice-president. Holy Week 2024: Cortizo signs the decree ordering the closure of public offices. The closure of public, national and municipal offices throughout the country is ordered on Thursday, March 28th at 12:00 noon, on the occasion of Holy Week. Holy Week in Panama transcends beyond being a religious celebration; It is a moment deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the people. Throughout the country, Holy Week is fervently honored by millions of Panamanians, who engage in various activities that honor the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The mayor's office has announced that alcohol sales will be prohibited both Thursday and Friday. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/easter-politics-in-panama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 29 Author Moderators Share Posted March 29 Quote 6 Presidential Candidates in Volcan Posted 28/03/2024 Electoral promises were made to revitalize agriculture in Panama’s ‘bread basket’ as six of the eight presidential candidates participated in the agricultural debate that took place in Volcán, Tierras Altas, Chiriquí. The presidential candidates faced each other in the agricultural debate, a meeting where the candidates for the Las Garzas palace promised what the sector wanted to hear. Very little clash of opinions and good answers were presented for some long and technical questions. The candidates spoke about the mechanisms to implement the new Law 352 that dictates the State Agri-Food Policy, they promised to depoliticize the entities linked to the sector, they committed to reducing imports , they considered their recipes to achieve food security, proposed renegotiating the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPC) with the United States (EU), and promised to strengthen agriculture with technology and technical support to achieve competitiveness. Phrases like “from day one”, “depoliticize”, “support the producer”, and “fight corruption”, were heard several times. Melitón Arrocha, candidate for the free nomination and the Social Independent Alternative Party, was the first to take to the microphone. He recalled that the food sector represents 2% of the GDP and 14% of employment in Panama. Like Rómulo Roux, the candidate of the alliance between Cambio Democrático and the Panameñista Party; and Zulay Rodríguez, of the free nomination; they promised to align all institutions in the sector with Law 352. Roux was more specific and he talked about updating the legal framework of these entities while Rodríguez is committed to aligning 350 offices in the sector. Arrocha spoke of taking the Ministry of Agricultural Development to the countryside, Roux promised to appoint a minister of the sector who is “on the street.” José Gabriel Gaby Carrizo the presidential candidate of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), who also serves as vice president of the Republic, attacked Martín Torrijos the candidate of the Popular Party. He of course, praised “the courage” of the current president Laurentino Cortizo, who resigned from a government that was “betraying” the agricultural sector by eliminating support from the Special Interest Compensation Fund (FECI). Cortizo was Minister of Agricultural Development in the Torrijos government (2004-2009), and resigned in January 2006 due to disagreements in the TPC negotiations with the US. Torrijos, hit back. He mentioned to Gaby that he is confusing a European country with figures from Panama, in reference to an episode of the first presidential debate (February 26th), when the PRD candidate equated Panama's security with that of France and Panama. The PP standard-bearer, on several occasions promised to transform agriculture so that it is “productive and profitable.” “The transformation of the country requires that agriculture be successful,” he said and immediately blamed the last three governments for neglecting the sector. Ricardo Lombana, the presidential candidate of the Otro Camino Movement, promised that in the first 100 days of his government, he will elevate food sovereignty to constitutional status. He promised to allocate resources to the sector and take politics out of the institutions. “How is it possible that we are in a country in which presidential candidates have to be asked what measures we are going to take to ensure that the current law is complied with?” said the candidate in reference to the first question: What will he do to adapt the legal framework of Law 352 to the agricultural sector? https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/6-presidential-candidates-in-volcan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 29 Author Moderators Share Posted March 29 Quote Zulay Rodríguez Defends November Panama Road Closures Posted 28/03/2024 Zulay Rodríguez at a recent Presidential debate with other candidates, was asked how she would have resolved the closure of roads, as occurred in October and November 2023, amid protests over the contract agreed between the Panamanian State and Minera Panamá, SA. On that occasion as you all will remember, the province of Chiriquí was cut off due to protests against the contract for the Donoso mine, Colón. The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama estimated that the street closures, following the approval of the mining contract between the State and Minera Panamá, caused losses of between $60 million and $90 million each day. Despite the million-dollar losses, Rodríguez defended the closures and said that they would not have reached such magnitude if the Cortizo government had stood up in front of the people and told the truth to begin with. “Everything that happened is regrettable, but there was a greater good, which was to fight against this disastrous mining company… Here, unfortunately, the government did not show its face because if it had shown its face to the public in a proper time frame, this would not have happened,” Rodríguez said. “They needed to go personally to talk to the protesters, but they did not.” https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/zulay-rodriguez-defends-november-panama-road-closures-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 30 Author Moderators Share Posted March 30 Quote Marta Linares de Martinelli Complaint About Rómulo Roux Posted 29/03/2024 The National Directorate of Electoral Organization of the Electoral Tribunal (TE) released a resolution on March 28th where they admitted a complaint against the Democratic Change party and its presidential candidate Rómulo Roux, for the non-use authorized the personal image of Marta Linares de Martinelli in electoral propaganda. In the complaint, the former first lady's legal team alleges that her personal image was used without her authorization in a political advertisement scheduled for March 27th 2024, at the time the presidential agricultural debate was broadcast in the media. In addition to the image of Mrs. Linares de Martinelli, the reported propaganda also uses images and the voice of former President Ricardo Martinelli in a walk taken during the 2019 electoral campaign when he was a candidate for Mayor of the Capital District. This propaganda, Alma Cortés points out in her argument, has "the clear and intentional objective of confusing the electorate, to make them believe that both her client and Mr. Ricardo Martinelli sympathize and support the candidate Rómulo Roux, which constitutes a negative campaign to the detriment of presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino ". The Electoral Court indicated that the complaint presented by Alma Cortés, lawyer for Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli, could qualify within the prohibitions to which electoral propaganda is subject, since it meets the minimum admission requirements. Therefore, the highest electoral body decided to admit the complaint against the Cambio Democrático party and Mr. Rómulo Roux for the unauthorized use of personal images in electoral propaganda and demanded a digital copy of the denounced electoral propaganda, a copy of the sales invoice for the propaganda, along with the sworn statement of the person responsible. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/marta-linares-de-martinelli-complaint-about-romulo-roux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted March 31 Author Moderators Share Posted March 31 Quote Presidential Elections May 5th Posted 30/03/2024 Panama, West Panama and Chiriqui, are the key provinces to be watching on May 5th during the Presidential elections. According to the data collected from the final electoral patterns, these three regions host approximately 60% of the 3,004,083 Panamanians eligible to vote. A detailed analysis reveals that the province of Panama leads in terms of voter count, representing an impressive 34.05% of the national total. In the city an overwhelming number of 1,022,911 citizens are empowered to participate in the electoral process, with an equal distribution between genders, where 530,042 are women and 492,869 are men. In addition, there is a diversity in political affiliation, with 505,453 affiliated and 517,458 unaffiliated. It is important to note that 6 of the 10 polling centers with the highest number of voters are located in the corrections of San Francisco, Don Bosco, Tocumen, 24 de Decembre and Pedregal. Western Panama, on the other hand, emerges as a rapidly growing province, hosting 14.22% of the national electorate. With 427,317 citizens qualified to vote, this region exhibits remarkable gender parity, with 217,018 women and 210,299 men registered as voters. Also, 2 of the 10 polling stations with highest turnout are located in this province In the case of Chiriquí, the third province with the largest number of voters, significant participation in the electoral process is evident with a total of 373,109 citizens entitled to vote, representing 12.42% of the national electorate. The provinces of Panama, West Panama and Chiriqui will be fundamental in Panama's electoral landscape for the elections May 5th due to the large proportion of eligible citizens and voters living there. The third official debate of the 2024 presidential electoral process happens on April 17th at the Anayansi Theater of the Atlapa Convention Center, an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, and the Electoral Tribunal (TE), with the production of Corporación Medcom. It will focus on 4 themes: Employment and entrepreneurship Water and sustainability Institutionality Social development https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/presidential-elections-may-5th Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 2 Author Moderators Share Posted April 2 Quote Presidential Debate on Tourism Posted 01/04/2024 April 3rd, Wednesday, the Presidential Debate on Tourism will take place at the headquarters of the Latin American Parliament, in Amador, town of Ancón, organized by the National Chamber of Tourism of Panama. The debate, named "Sustainable Tourism, a State Obligation", aims to promote tourism as a public policy of the State. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism and to ensure that presidential candidates are aware of the needs of the tourism sector and will provide the tourist with complete care and concern. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Complete coverage will be available through ‘Telemetro Reporta’ from 5:30 p.m. with the 8 candidates scheduled to attend including, Romulo Roux, Maribel Gordon, José Raúl Mulino, Meliton Arrocha, Gabriel Carrizo, Martin Torrijos, Ricardo Lombana, and Zulay Rodríguez. This debate will provide an important platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Panama's tourism sector, as well as to present concrete proposals for its sustainable development. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/presidential-debate-on-tourism Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 4 Author Moderators Share Posted April 4 Quote José Raúl Mulino Leads in the Panama Election Polls Posted 03/04/2024 Panama’s voter preferences have not changed much since the political campaign began on February 3rd 2024. José Raúl Mulino front, in this voting poll below but of course there is a long way to go before the May 5th Presidential Electoral vote and plenty of debates to learn more about the candidates. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/jose-raul-mulino-leads-in-the-panama-election-polls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 5 Author Moderators Share Posted April 5 Quote Presidential Election Debate Posted 04/04/2024 You may have been seeing and hearing around Panama, many trucks and cars honking horns, loaded up with kids, teens, pets and balloons, shouting and singing and having a great time. It is election time in Panama. The most recent Presidential Debate happened last night. Outside the building, a few meters ahead of the first security fence, two batucadas happened. (lots of drumming and music noises). That takes us back to the era of the Popular Party candidate Martin Torrijos. The other was from the Democratic Change candidate Rómulo Roux. It seemed like a competition as to who could make the most noise. José Gabriel Carrizo, candidate of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party, was the last candidate to arrive. He appeared 20 minutes before 7:30 pm. He was not present in the room when they took the official photo of the event. The clock struck 7:30 pm when Roux, Gordón, Arrocha, Carrizo, Torrijos, Lombana and Zulay Rodríguez took their positions. The order was determined in a draw on February 27. Roux could be seen reviewing his notes. Gordon looked at the audience without any major nerves. Arrocha, who was also reviewing his notes, looked calm. He made eye contact when the other candidates intervened, sometimes turning his body toward them. Carrizo's body language said something else: disinterest and nervousness. At times he crossed his arms and moved his left foot non-stop. Torrijos also looked at the audience and seemed relaxed. Lombana began swaying back and forth, a movement of apparent nerves seen in other debates that he lost as his interventions progressed. Rodríguez, who had a book on the podium that she read from time to time, took notes, and reviewed notes written in a pink notebook. It takes “will,” Roux said. Gordon wants a “dignified life” because “everyone has been in government.” Carrizo began his intervention as usual, thanking “God and the Virgin.” Lombana and Rodríguez spoke of eliminating “monopolies” and “oligopolies.” Among the few specific attacks, all without mentioning names, some drew attention: when Lombana used one of his interventions in the second block to question the millions and millions proposed by some of his opponents. “This looked like an auction for Promtur,” he said. Arrocha said that during his government he would not allow the closure of streets. Rodríguez, who is also a candidate for mayor of San Miguelito, came to shouts in her last intervention to ask again for a cable car to be built in that township. Carrizo said that despite the fact that Panama lost its investment grade last week, “we are doing well.” Panama is a country as safe as or safer than France,” Carrizo said before the cameras. “How are you going to say that we are not doing well if Panama grew 7.3%…” “Panama is not a country that is doing badly as they want to say, Panama is a country that is moving forward.” https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/presidential-election-debate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 7 Author Moderators Share Posted April 7 Quote Melitón Arrocha Spoke with the Kiwanis Club Posted 06/04/2024 The independent candidate for the Presidency of Panama, Melitón Arrocha, spoke with members of the Kiwanis Club, a global service organization dedicated to improving communities through personal commitment. Mr. Arrocha emphasized the importance of returning to investment grade for Panama, recognizing the current challenges, including the recent increase in debt and the loss of investment grade by the Fitch agency. “We are facing a complicated economic situation, which is felt in the streets. “He anticipated that, after the government took over, we will see an even more significant contraction if we do not take concrete actions now,” he noted, and pledged to work from day one to avoid that fate. The independent candidate spoke about the governance challenges for the next administration, raised details about the constitutional reforms that he considers necessary, and mentioned his strategies for the efficient management of the national debt. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/meliton-arrocha-spoke-with-the-kiwanis-club Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 8 Author Moderators Share Posted April 8 Quote Presidential Ballots from the TE Posted 08/04/2024 The Electoral Tribunal (TE), the folks who also make sure that your E-Cedula and in some cases, your N-Cedula is functional for you, began printing the presidential ballots for the May 5th elections. However, if an event occurs in the coming days that impact the presidential race, the TE will take the necessary measures to present the “correct” ballot to the electorate. You may be interested in the case of Mulino. The candidate of the Realizing Goals (RM) and Alianza parties, José Raúl Mulino, appears on the ballot, however a lawsuit was presented against his candidacy before the Supreme Court of Justice for alleged unconstitutionality, a case that will be solved by Judge Olmedo Arrocha starting Monday, Eclipse Day. Arrocha has 10 days to prepare a draft ruling, which must be shared in simultaneous reading with the rest of the eight members of the full Court for a period of 20 days. If Arrocha's project does not have a resolution from the rest of the judges of the Court, a plenary session must be convened to discuss it and issue a ruling. Mulino entered the presidential race after the TE disqualified Ricardo Martinelli from competing in the May elections, following his sentence to more than 10 years in prison for money laundering in the New Business Case. The TE authorizes Mulino to assume the presidential candidacy to replace Martinelli. The lawsuit filed by Karisma Etienne Karamañites warns that although Mulino was appointed as vice president, that candidacy was not put to a vote in the RM primary elections. Mulino was chosen directly by Martinelli and was ratified by the directors of RM and the Alianza party. Martinelli remains in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama as of last February 7th and was granted asylum from President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, after Ricardo’s sentence of 168 months in prison became final. Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/presidential-ballots-from-the-te Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 9 Author Moderators Share Posted April 9 Quote The Zulay Rodríguez Story - Part 1 Posted 08/04/2024 You may have noticed that one of the candidates for President of Panama, Zulay Rodríguez, has been asked to attend the courts of justice recently to answer charges regarding the theft of 66 kilos of gold. Zulay did not attend many of the recent court sessions and neither did her lawyer. If you don’t follow politics closely in Panama, or you just haven’t heard about this story, this could make a Hollywood movie. Pick your own set of movie stars to play the roles. You may ask, ‘How and why did such a thing happen in Panama?’ Let me begin the story and over the next day or so, I will relay those parts that began back in March of 2009. Here is some background: On March 9, 2009, Mexican goldsmith José Luis Penagos Hernández was detained in the transit area of the Tocumen International Airport in possession of 35 kilos of gold that the Customs Department seized alleging that it not been declared. Penagos Hernández was traveling accompanied by a fellow goldsmith, the Venezuelan José Felipe Mendoza, from whom Customs also confiscated 31 kilos of gold. Both had, in total, just over 66 net kilos of gold. Penagos Hernández argued that he did not have to declare the gold, since its final destination was not Panama, but Colombia. However, everything became complicated after authorities found traces of methamphetamine in the gold. The Mexican ended up in pavilion 6 of the La Joya prison, with several cases brought against him. He was held in the prison system until his deportation on December 28, 2009. The complaint shows that Penagos Hernández had an order preventing him from entering Panama, which is why they could not process the return of the gold. As a result, Hernández hired the services of lawyers Zulay Rodríguez Lu, and Rafael Augusto Álvarez Canto and signed a power of attorney before the Third Circuit Notary of Panama. Let’s continue this Zulay Rodríguez story tomorrow with Part 2. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/the-zulay-rodriguez-story-part-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 10 Author Moderators Share Posted April 10 Quote The Zulay Rodríguez Story - Part 2 Posted 09/04/2024 In September of 2018, José Luis Penagos Hernández learned that Zulay’s lawyer Rafael Araúz, along with Zulay Rodríguez and Álvaro Ernesto Testa (Zulay’s husband) received the 66 kilos of gold from the National Customs Authority, and kept it for themselves to cover the fees, which according to them had not been paid by Penagos. 66 kilos of gold today is approximately 5 million dollars. ] Diana Clemencia Ríos Cardona reported that her husband (José Luis Penagos Hernández) was murdered on February 4, 2021 and presented the death certificate to the media. The widow was accompanied by David Penagos (son of the businessman), who said that the claim is for 65 kilos of gold valued at the time at 4 million dollars. After Penagos' death, the family filed a criminal complaint with the Public Ministry for the theft of the gold. According to the complaint, the merchant, Penagos Hernández, signed a power of attorney that was later used by lawyers to simulate a debt for professional fees. The son of the Mexican businessman indicated that among the elements presented to the Panamanian authorities are audios of conversations between his father and Zulay Rodríguez. After this, the PRD deputy Zulay Rodríguez called a conference, which took place in the Blue Room of the National Assembly. There she described what was said by the relatives of the Mexican goldsmith as “falsehoods” and announced that she would file legal action against them. “I am going to prove that all this is false, that they have grabbed a case by the hair to falsely involve me,” she added. The court process with Mr. Hernández lasted nine months, until it was dismissed by the Panamanian courts for the crime of money laundering from drug trafficking. Diana Clemencia Ríos Cardona, the widow, along with David Penagos, the son, began court proceedings: Zulay Rodríguez is to be charged for alleged crimes against economic assets, in the modality of money laundering, illicit association to commit a crime, and against the administration of justice to the detriment of José Luis Penagos Hernández (RIP) related to some gold bars. But, Representative Zulay Rodríguez has reiterated on several occasions that this litigation has already been won in the civil courts and that the accusation is totally false. Rodríguez explained after that this is a case from 2011, which she litigated in 2018, and won “all the rulings in court.” Rodríguez not only considers herself to be “innocent” but also describes it as “political persecution” from the highest levels of power to remove her from the presidential race for being among the favorites in the polls. A similar situation, as she said, to the case of former president Ricardo Martinelli, disqualified from participating in the May 5 elections. “This is a hoax and it is a lie.” Although this situation is ongoing, and will not be silenced until at least after May 5th, we will wrap up the story, Part 3 of the Zulay Rodríguez story tomorrow. We will also look at the other candidates in the race for Panama's President May 5th 2024 in the coming weeks. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/the-zulay-rodriguez-story-part-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 10 Author Moderators Share Posted April 10 Quote Vice Presidential Candidates Speak Out Posted 09/04/2024 Panama’s Vice Presidential candidates get to speak out. Present at the event were: Camilo Alleyne (PRD-Molirena), Athenas Athanasiadis (free nomination), José Isabel Blandón (Cambio Democrático-Panameñista Party), Michael Chen (Otro Camino Movement), Richard Morales (free nomination), Rosario Turner (Popular Party) and Aida Michelle Ureña de Maduro (free nomination-PAIS). Richard Morales said that both he and presidential candidate Maribel Gordón have fought “historically” alongside communities and young people, last year, so that Panama is a country free of open pit metal mining. “We are going to ensure that this new national unity that emerged in 2023 becomes a reality,” he indicated. Morales also warned that they know that his adversaries “are going to negotiate” with the mine. However, he made it clear that, if that happens, “we are going to take this fight to the streets.” “We are not going to allow them to betray the people,” he added. Rosario Turner stated that since August of last year a document was presented, together with Martín Torrijos, which indicates that both are against maintaining metal mining in the country. “We have maintained that position throughout this time and we are going to maintain it because the Panamanian people spoke,” she asserted. "Let's be clear, in the government of Rómulo and Blandón the mine in Donoso [province of Colón] is going to be closed." This was expressed by the candidate for the countries vice presidency for the Democratic Change and Panameñista parties, José Isabel Blandón. “The people spoke, the Court ruled and there is a moratorium law, therefore we are going to maintain that moratorium law on new mining concessions. We recognize that the voice of the people is the voice of God and we rulers have the responsibility to abide by that mandate.” Athenas Athanasiadis said that both she and Zulay Rodríguez, freely nominated presidential standard bearer, fought against mining in the country. There is a ruling so this is something we must respect, she stressed. The former representative also pointed out that foreign investment should occur, as long as Panama is the largest beneficiary. “With us the mine goes away,” said Michael Chen, Ricardo Lombana's running mate. He pointed out that both of them went out to protest because they were against the mine and mining. In fact, he announced that “we are going to do what is necessary to elevate the prohibition of open pit metal mining to constitutional status.” The Court “failed” and the mining moratorium is maintained based on the Supreme Court, said, for his part, Camilo Alleyne , candidate for the vice presidency of the Republic for the ruling party. “However, there is no demagogic response but a statesmanlike response. We have 12 trillion dollars in that mine... there it is, and it represents more than the country's gross domestic product in multiple periods,” he said. Alleyne asked “not to be deceiving” the population by seeking a vote or a political position and in that sense he recalled that there is the will of the people that can be given through a referendum. The country is above everything, politics, political parties, personal ambitions, he mentioned. Aida Michelle Ureña de Maduro stated that both she and Melitón Arrocha, presidential candidate for free nomination and PAIS, said that “without a doubt” the mining moratorium would be maintained. But above all we believe in the development of the country since “we are pro-Panama”, which means that we seek the best benefits for the isthmus. That means, she added, that decisions must also be made in the same way, that is, “constitutional.” “Let's carry out a plebiscite and let it be the voice of the people that is heard, but of the entire population,” she said. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/vice-presidential-candidates-speak-out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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