In the Panamanian capital, this Thursday a demonstration took place in which various labor sectors expressed their discontent with recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding resuming control of the Panama Canal. Additionally, they opposed the proposed reforms for the Social Security Fund (CSS) aimed at addressing the financial crisis affecting this entity and its pension program.
Saúl Méndez, leader of the Construction and Similar Workers Union (Suntracs), announced the possibility of calling for an indefinite national strike in rejection of project 163, which seeks to modify social security legislation in Panama. He detailed that a 24-hour warning strike will be held before taking this extreme measure, without specifying the start date.
During the protest, in addition to rejecting reforms to social security law, the detention of 83 Suntracs members, accused of various offenses, was denounced. The protesters symbolically represented the alleged police abuses suffered, highlighting the tension between workers and security forces.
Trade union groups also protested against Trump's threats to regain control over the Panama Canal under the argument of alleged Chinese influence in the route and its ports. Participants in the march expressed their patriotism with slogans like "One territory, one flag!" and "This homeland is not for sale, this homeland is defended!" rejecting any kind of cession of territory to the United States.
The presence in Panama of Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, was questioned, considering it an act of submission by the government according to union leaders. The march, which concluded in heavy rain in front of the parliament, failed to achieve a meeting with lawmakers because they had already left the National Assembly after the session ended for the day.
