SUNTRACS and a Poor Grasp on Reality; Clashes on Avenida Balboa: Workers could Face Multiple Charges, Including Attempted Homicide; Panama and Costa Rica Agree on Measures for Migrants; Tocumen Airport Starts 2025 with Strong Growth in Passengers, Operations, and Cargo.

Friday, February 14, 2025.

Suntracs, Protests, and the People’s Frustration (Once Again): A Battle Between Rights and Realities

Once again, Panama found itself in the all-too-familiar chaos of protests this last week, yet another episode of street blockades orchestrated by SUNTRACS, the powerful construction workers’ union known for its aggressive protest tactics. At exactly 7:00 AM—during peak traffic hours—protesters took to the streets, effectively paralyzing the capital. Commuters were left stranded, businesses delayed their operations, and the already fragile urban mobility was brought to a halt.

The reason? SUNTRACS claims to be fighting for the people, raising their voices against the controversial Social Security reforms that have stirred national debate. Sure, they might have a point, but at this rate, they’re doing a better job of uniting the people—against them.

Panamanians are undeniably frustrated with the Social Security crisis. The uncertainty surrounding their future pensions and healthcare services has sparked concern across all sectors of society. The government’s proposed reforms are widely viewed with skepticism, with many fearing that they will be forced to bear the financial burden of decades of mismanagement. Public discontent is palpable, and protests against these policies are understandable—perhaps even necessary.

However, the same people protesting the reforms are also the ones who need to get to work, drop their children at school, or access emergency medical care. Today, many found themselves trapped in a traffic nightmare, unable to fulfill their daily responsibilities. The frustration was evident. People honked like it was an impromptu symphony, social media exploded in memes and outrage, and many wondered if SUNTRACS was championing the people or just holding them hostage in traffic purgatory.

The situation escalated further when riot police were deployed to reopen key roads. In some areas, protesters voluntarily dispersed, but in others, confrontations turned violent. The police resorted to tear gas, while demonstrators hurled rocks in retaliation. The week spiraled into the usual spectacle of honking horns, tear gas plumes, and bewildered citizens wondering if they’d ever make it to work on time., with reports of injuries on both sides.

This raises an important question: When does the right to protest infringe upon the rights of others? Strikes and demonstrations are fundamental democratic expressions, but when they lead to widespread disruption and violence, they risk losing public support. SUNTRACS may be pushing back against government policies, but it is also pushing working-class Panamanians—many of whom live paycheck to paycheck—into deeper frustration and hardship.

The irony is stark. The people want solutions to the Social Security dilemma, yet they also need to get to work. While the government needs to fix this mess before we all retire in gridlock, SUNTRACS should consider protests that don’t make the average worker fantasize about becoming a hermit in the jungle. Advocacy for the people should not come at the expense of the people.

As Panama grapples with these challenges, one thing remains clear: a sustainable solution requires dialogue, not force—whether from the government, the unions, or the streets.

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Clashes on Avenida Balboa: Workers could Face Multiple Charges, Including Attempted Homicide

After a marathon day of clashes on Avenida Balboa between the National Police and construction workers, approximately 514 people have been detained, and 17 officers have been reported injured.

This was confirmed by Jorge Domínguez, Deputy Director of the National Police, in an interview with Noticias AM. He also stated that more than 70 individuals from the group of 514 detainees have been identified for investigation on suspicion of attempted homicide.

According to Domínguez, all the detainees were inside the buildings of the new Hospital del Niño, which was used as a stronghold by the protesters to obstruct free movement in the area.

“The National Police and the Ministry of Security are not violating any rights,” — Jorge Domínguez, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police

He clarified that on Thursday, those detained who have not been linked to any specific crime will be handed over to a justice of the peace.

Injuries and Medical Assistance

Regarding the injured officers, Domínguez reported that out of the 17, three remain in intensive care. As for affected workers, they are receiving medical care from National Police personnel.

Protesters Used Heavy Materials as Weapons

The Deputy Director also clarified that the protesters never distributed flyers, as initially claimed. Instead, they blocked all four lanes of Avenida Balboa.

Domínguez referenced Article 38 of the Constitution, which states that demonstrations do not require prior authorization, as long as they do not affect third parties. However, if they interfere with others, the Constitution grants authorities the right to restore public order by necessary means.

He explained that the protesters used the building as a trench, throwing objects onto the street even after traffic had been restored. He mentioned the use of heavy materials, such as concrete blocks and iron rods, which became potentially lethal weapons, leading to possible attempted homicide charges.

Property Damage and Vandalism

The protesters also damaged public and private property, including the Cinta Costera construction site, vandalized facilities, and even attempted to set fire to a building. Despite this, Domínguez emphasized that all detainees were inside the occupied buildings during the disturbances.

Use of Non-Lethal Force and Defense of Rule of Law

The Commissioner defended the use of non-lethal measures, such as tear gas, to disperse the protesters and restore order. He assured that these measures were applied in a controlled manner to minimize health risks, especially near hospitals like Hospital del Niño and Hospital Santo Tomás. He also highlighted cooperation with medical personnel to ensure that detainees’ rights were respected.

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

Panama and Costa Rica Agree on Measures for Migrants

The Minister of Security proposed the possibility of using Metetí to return migrants to their home countries. He also discussed the potential reestablishment of the Gualaca camp.

Security and migration authorities from Panama and Costa Rica are evaluating the use of Nicanor, Metetí, in Darién province, as a location for repatriation flights for migrants returning from the United States, as well as the reactivation of the Gualaca camp.

The use of Nicanor, Metetí, for repatriation flights had previously been mentioned by President José Raúl Mulino after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“In Nicanor, Metetí, there is an established structure maintained by UNICEF, IOM, the United Nations, and the Government of Panama, specifically for irregular migrants. [We aim] to reestablish the Gualaca facilities that existed at one point, to prevent migrants from traveling across the country and instead ensure they reach the border safely,” said Minister Ábrego when speaking to the media before the meeting.

The minister also mentioned that the goal is to transport migrants by air or sea so they can return to their countries of origin.

New Border Measures and Migrant Response

Another key agreement from the bilateral meeting between Panama and Costa Rica is that irregular migrants who have already entered Panama must report to a checkpoint in Costa Rica before continuing into the isthmus.

From there, they would reach Darién, where negotiations with Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador would begin to facilitate their return.

However, this measure was not accepted by the migrants, mostly Venezuelans, who decided to continue on foot.

They were later stopped by Panamanian security forces stationed in Paso Canoas.

Increased Border Security and Repatriation Efforts

Panama’s National Border Service (Senafront) announced yesterday afternoon that security forces will maintain a constant presence at the border with Costa Rica to ensure compliance with international regulations and prevent irregular entries.

Additionally, efforts are being coordinated to use safe methods to facilitate migrants’ return to their home countries, prioritizing air and maritime transport.

Approximately 200 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, are returning from Mexico and are awaiting authorization from Panama’s immigration authorities to receive a safe-conduct pass that would allow them to cross the country on their way back home.

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

Tocumen Airport Starts 2025 with Strong Growth in Passengers, Operations, and Cargo

Tocumen Airport continues to solidify its position as a strategic hub for aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean, setting record numbers in passenger traffic, air operations, and cargo movement during January 2025.

According to figures provided by the Vice Presidency of Planning and Strategy at Tocumen, in the first month of the year, the airport handled 1,757,658 passengers across its Terminals 1 and 2, representing a 22% increase compared to January 2024, or an additional 313,679 travelers.

Notably, 70% of these passengers (1,234,763) were connecting flights, reinforcing Tocumen’s role as an air bridge between 86 direct destinations in America and Europe.

Of the total passengers, 263,069 disembarked at Tocumen Airport (a 10% increase over 2024, equivalent to 23,544 additional travelers), while 259,826 boarded from the country’s main airport, showing a slight 1% increase (or 3,280 more passengers). The average daily flow reached 56,787 movements, reflecting the terminal’s consistent activity.

As for operations, January closed with 13,780 aircraft maneuvers, a 16% increase over the same period last year (an additional 1,916 operations), with an average of 445 daily flights. Currently, 12 commercial airlines and 15 cargo airlines operate at Tocumen, expanding regional connectivity.

José Ruiz Blanco, the General Manager of Tocumen International Airport, emphasized that “these figures reflect the sustained recovery of the aviation industry and the efficiency of investments in infrastructure. We continue to strengthen our capacity to meet growing demand and maintain our position as the region’s leading hub.”

The main destinations/origins were led by Bogotá, Colombia with 99,700 passengers, followed by San José, Costa Rica with 88,143 travelers, Miami, United States with 85,745 people, Medellín, Colombia with 80,349 passengers, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with 64,327 passengers.

Regarding cargo traffic, Tocumen recorded 17,626 metric tons, a 20% increase over January 2024 (or 2,978 additional tons), further solidifying the infrastructure as a key player in regional trade.

The sustained growth in passengers, operations, and cargo reaffirms Tocumen’s role as the region’s leading connectivity hub.

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

Panama Mining Chamber Demands ‘Impartiality’ in Audit of Copper Mine

The Panama Mining Chamber (Camipa) demanded “impartiality” on Tuesday during an audit of the Minera Panamá copper mine, a subsidiary of Canadian company First Quantum Minerals (FQM), which has been inactive since 2023 due to a ruling by the Supreme Court of the Central American country.

“The purpose of this audit is to provide the government with the necessary tools to make informed decisions,” said Roderick Gutiérrez, President of Camipa, at a press conference.

On January 6, the Ministry of Environment of Panama announced public consultations set to last until February 7 for conducting a “comprehensive” and “independent” audit of Minera Panamá. However, the dates for the audit have not yet been made public.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has indicated that he will push for a plan to temporarily reopen the mine, although this process will depend on the results of the environmental audit regarding its condition.

The mining chamber official, whose association was founded in 1990 and comprises 60 companies linked to the sector, warned on Tuesday that the audit’s results “must legitimize any decision about the opening or closing of the mine,” but always keeping in mind “the best benefits for the country.”

Gutiérrez clarified that the audit “does not seek problems or solutions but rather aims to identify findings and compare them with current regulations, setting an appropriate timeline for correction.”

Current Situation of the Mine

Currently, the mine is in a phase of maintenance and preservation after the Panamanian Supreme Court ordered its closure in November 2023 following the largest street protests in decades in Panama against mining and other national issues.

Economic Losses

Regarding the economic losses caused by the mining activity shutdown, Gutiérrez stated, “In 2023, $888 million in local purchases were not made in 2024, compared to the $316 million spent by the Panama Canal during the same period.”

“We’re not undermining the Panama Canal, but what we’re saying is that the mining sector has already proven in Panama that it can be another economic pillar for the country’s development,” emphasized Camipa’s President.

Gutiérrez added that, according to figures from the mining chamber, 54,107 formal jobs have been lost, and 22 communities have been affected by the closure.

“The mine should never have been shut down; even President José Raúl Mulino said that we gave ourselves the luxury of closing one of the most important projects for the country’s economic sector,” acknowledged the labor leader.

Minera Panamá accounted for 4.8% of the country’s GDP and 75% of the isthmus’ exports, in addition to providing more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, with over 7,300 employees across the nation.

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

Modifications to the Preferential Interest Law Could Be Brought to the Assembly Next Week

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is expected to present to the Cabinet Council and then to the full National Assembly the bill proposing modifications to the Preferential Interest Law, particularly regarding the subsidy cap for housing.

President José Raúl Mulino confirmed that the Minister of the MEF, Felipe Chapman, informed him that the proposed adjustment would involve reducing the subsidy cap for housing between $100,000 and $120,000.

However, he clarified that these changes are not an arbitrary decision but are based on the need to responsibly manage state resources.

“The difference between the subsidized rate and the market rate, which is approximately two percentage points higher, is ultimately paid for by the pockets of all Panamanians,” the president explained, emphasizing that the government inherited significant debt from the Solidarity Bond, with nearly $300 million in obligations or debts with the construction industry.

According to him, this indebtedness cannot be repeated, as it could lead to new fiscal problems.

He added that the government’s proposal aims to establish a limit on the state’s borrowing capacity related to the housing finance subsidy.

While the construction sector and housing needs in the country are a priority, Mulino emphasized that his government seeks to avoid long-term financial imbalance.

The president stressed the importance of maintaining balance: “There should be a cap, not only on housing prices but also on the state subsidy that must be paid to the banks financing these types of projects.”

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

SINAPROC Issues Warning for Rain and Storms Until February 16

The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) reported that it is maintaining vigilance for rain and storms across much of the country until February 16, 2025.

The agency urged the public to take precautions due to the potential increase in rivers, flooding, waterlogged streets, landslides, and electrical discharges.

Citizens are advised to stay alert to official communications and avoid high-risk areas to prevent incidents.

Areas under alert according to SINAPROC: