Panama Roundup: Port contract annulled, air travel restored, nuclear interest

Lucía Aliaga — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:51:30 Z

Reorganisation of port operations after Supreme Court annulment

Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that the long-standing concession allowing Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC) to operate major terminals at the Balboa and Cristóbal ports near the Panama Canal was unconstitutional, citing irregularities in the contract and legal framework. President José Raúl Mulino said port operations will continue during a transition, with temporary management by another firm and plans for a new concession process. The decision is seen within the broader geopolitical context of US-China competition over control and influence in strategic infrastructure . China criticised the ruling and vowed to protect its companies’ rights, while Panama affirmed uninterrupted service at the canal’s logistics hubs.

Copa Airlines restores ticket sales between the United States and Venezuela

Copa Airlines announced it has resumed ticket sales for flights linking the United States and Venezuela via Panama, following a US government decision to reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela. The move allows passengers to purchase single itineraries such as Caracas–Panama–Miami with through check-in and simplified travel procedures. This restart follows previous suspensions of services to Venezuelan destinations, part of broader shifts in aviation ties in the region. Copa’s restored sales are expected to ease travel for travellers between the Americas and strengthen Panama’s role as a regional hub.

Panama hosts record-breaking International Economic Forum with 70 countries

The Foro Económico Internacional América Latina y el Caribe 2026, organised by CAF and the Government of Panama in Panama City, concluded with historic participation from more than 6,500 leaders, officials and decision-makers from 70 countries, including presidents, prime ministers, investors and Nobel economists. The event featured over 50 high-level panels and more than 400 bilateral meetings that addressed key regional challenges such as economic integration, sustainable development, energy transition and technological innovation. Attendees included the presidents of Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Bolivia, as well as the prime minister of Jamaica and Chile’s president-elect. The forum consolidated Panama’s role as a regional hub for economic and policy dialogue, while fostering opportunities for cooperation and investment across Latin America and the Caribbean. Experts highlighted the strategic importance of collective action on globalisation pressures, infrastructure and climate priorities. The high turnout marks one of the largest gatherings of political and business leadership in the region in recent years.

Nuclear energy interest rises amid growing power demand

Officials and experts at a recent international forum highlighted growing regional interest in nuclear energy, including in Panama, as a complement to renewable sources to meet rising electricity demand and ensure energy security. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Panama, along with other Latin American countries, is exploring nuclear as a reliable energy option alongside solar and wind. Delegates noted that nuclear could support stable baseload power and help transition to low-emission energy systems as part of long-term planning. Multilateral financial institutions expressed willingness to back nuclear projects to enhance regional energy portfolios.

Rubén Blades to represent Panama at Pirineos Sur 2026 festival

Panamanian cultural icon Rubén Blades has been selected to represent Panama at the Pirineos Sur Festival 2026 in Spain, showcasing the nation’s music and artistic heritage on an international stage. The internationally renowned singer, songwriter and actor will perform as part of the festival’s diverse global lineup, bringing Latin American rhythms and storytelling to European audiences. This honour highlights Panama’s cultural exports and strengthens its visibility in global arts circuits, building cultural diplomacy alongside tourism and creative industry promotion. Event organisers and national arts officials celebrated the selection as a point of pride.

Panama Roundup: Political tensions, justice reform, economic transparency drive national debate

Abigail Johnson Boakye — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:26:58 Z

President Mulino reveals alleged threats from U.S. Embassy official

President José Raúl Mulino claimed that a U.S. Embassy official had made threatening remarks directed at him. This revelation stirred political discussions both domestically and internationally, raising questions about diplomatic relations between Panama and the United States. Mulino emphasised the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and transparency in foreign affairs while calling for clarification from diplomatic channels.

Mulino supports life sentences

In a strong stance on public safety, President Mulino declared that individuals convicted of heinous crimes “have no right to live,” expressing his support for the implementation of life sentences in Panama. His statement reflects a push toward harsher penalties and has ignited debate among human rights advocates, legal experts, and political figures about proportional justice and constitutional limits.

Chamber of Commerce urges the Assembly to discuss anti-corruption projects

The Panamanian Chamber of Commerce publicly urged the National Assembly to prioritise and discuss pending anti-corruption bills. Business leaders argue that the approval of these projects is critical to restoring public trust, strengthening institutions, and improving the country’s global reputation. The Chamber stressed that transparency reforms are essential for sustainable economic growth and foreign investment.

Panama strengthens fiscal transparency and bets on development with two new bills

The Panamanian government introduced two new bills designed to boost fiscal transparency and promote national development. These legislative efforts aim to modernise financial oversight, enhance accountability in public spending, and align with international standards for combating tax evasion and illicit financing. Authorities believe the measures will improve Panama’s standing with global financial institutions and reinforce investor confidence.

Statute reforms and a presidential candidacy in the fight for Panameñismo

Internal political shifts are underway within the Panameñista Party, where leaders are considering statute reforms and a new presidential candidacy. These moves are part of an effort to rejuvenate the party’s image and strengthen its position ahead of upcoming elections. The ongoing debates highlight ideological divisions and strategic recalibrations among party members, signalling a potentially transformative phase in Panama’s political landscape.

Global South World - Mulino