The crisis in Panama escalated on Wednesday as roadblocks prevented food from reaching the capital, attempts at looting and a lack of agreement between the government and protesters to end demonstrations in exchange for measures against price increase.
After more than two weeks of protests, civil society organizations promoting the demonstrations held a new rally in penon150 km southwest, for details of issues to be discussed with the government.
At the moment, they have agreed to discuss eight issues in the process of dialogue, which should join executive power.
Reports in Panama
According to Catholic Churchwhich acts as an intermediary, organizations and unions agreed to negotiate lower or freeze prices for basic foodstuffs, fuel, energy, medicines, invest 6% of GDP in public education and the future of public health. system.
They are also demanding action against corruption amid harsh criticism from citizens over the salaries of high-ranking officials and the waste of public resources.
Road closures, mostly on the road Pan-Americanwhich connects to Panama With Costa Ricaand the main route for trade and transportation of goods in the country, caused shortages.
Since the beginning of the crisis, business organizations have estimated losses of more than $500 million.
To alleviate the situation, more than 200 food trucks left the western province this Wednesday. Chiriquibreadbasket of the country, to the capital, although its path is complicated by blockades.
After talking with the demonstrators, “the caravan with humanitarian aid was successfully delivered to the capital to transport agricultural products,” he said. James Knightunion leader Sun raysone of the organizers of the protests.
Business associations have calculated that losses due to roadblocks in 10 days amounted to about $500 million.
looting attempts
Demonstrators protest and block the movement, demanding that the government of Laurentino Cortiso take action against rising prices. This is the biggest social crisis since the invasion USA in 1989.
To calm the situation, the ruler first lowered the price of a gallon of gasoline (3.78 liters) from $5.20 to $3.95, but this measure was rejected. It was then offered a discount of up to $3.25, which is currently in effect.
The closure of highways, mainly the Pan-American Highway, which connects Panama with Costa Rica and is the country’s main trade and goods route, has caused shortages. | Font: AFP | Photographer: ROGELIO FIGUEROA
Employers joined the unrest of the unions this Wednesday.
“It is imperative that Executive, Legislative and the judiciary will unceremoniously attack any act of corruption, put an end to privilege and opacity,” the President said. Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama, Marcela Galindo.
police commissioner, Robert Rodriguezreported this Wednesday that in the popular neighborhood of El Chorrillo, in Panama city”several individuals” attempted to “destroy businesses, burn tires, and erect obstructions on public roads” to rob vehicle occupants.
According to Police officerThere have also been looting attempts on La Peatonal, a street of shops and businesses in the Panamanian capital that has been heavily monitored.
demonstrations continue
Despite a dollarized economy, high rates of economic growth, and more than $2 billion a year in income from the canal, Panama has one of the highest levels of inequality in the world.
To the east of the Panamanian capital, indigenous peoples have cut several sections of the Pan American Highway.
“We are seeing a basic basket that has skyrocketed in prices, including drugs, fuel,” a native told AFP. Linares Garciaat the fork in the road in pakora.
The rulers “are getting richer and richer, they continue to profit at the expense of the people, and the people are the ones who will suffer,” Wilfredo Zamudio said during a roadblock in an indigenous community in Baiano, also east of City of Panama.
On Tuesday, more than 20 people were arrested and seven police officers were injured in clashes in Santiago de Veraguas, 250 kilometers southwest of Panama city. There was tear gas, barricades and burning tires.
“Dialogue must be conducted with respect, with good will on the part of all. Starting with the opening of roads, ensuring the free movement of citizens and attention to basic needs,” added Galindo.
(According to AFP)
Source: RPP
I’m Liza Grey, an experienced news writer and author at the Buna Times. I specialize in writing about economic issues, with a focus on uncovering stories that have a positive impact on society. With over seven years of experience in the news industry, I am highly knowledgeable about current events and the ways in which they affect our daily lives.