On Monday, the finalists of the National Oratory Contest 2025 returned to the Yellow Hall of the Las Garzas Palace, but this time not to compete, but to receive congratulations from President José Raúl Mulino. He received them as a true host, accompanied by the First Lady, Maricel Cohen de Mulino, the official godmother of the event. Amidst pride, nerves, and smiles, the grand winner, Sofía Araujo, led the group of 15 finalists who arrived at the palace, demonstrating that in this country, the youth truly have a voice, judgment, and a desire to shake things up. The event was also attended by the Minister of Culture, Maruja Herrera; the Presidential Secretary of State Reorganization, Miguel Antonio Bernal; and José Raúl Mulino Jr., accompanying his father. This year, the contest revolved around a theme that has been prominent in the Mulino administration: 'Constitutional Literacy: the transformative power of youth in building a new constitution for the Panama we dream of.' A topic that many fear to touch, but these young people addressed it with a maturity that surprised. Mulino showered them with praise, but also delivered a serious message: 'The constituent process is a democratic one that transforms the State peacefully... It is the way for the people to express themselves and decide, as we did in 1946,' he emphasized, making it clear that he hopes some of these young people will be in the game when the time for a real constituent process arrives. The winner, Sofía Araujo, spoke on behalf of all and bluntly stated that the topic initially scared her, but she decided to face it with a promise: 'to show the country that we have not set aside ethics, civic participation, and, above all, our commitment to our Nation.' Her words drew sincere applause. The contest was organized by Meduca, Caja de Ahorros, and +Móvil, culminating in a grand final on November 23 at the Atlapa Convention Center's Anayansi Theater. Once again, Panama's youth made it clear that when given a space, they don't just participate... they break the mold.
