On Tuesday, November 25, approximately 25 informal vendors, dedicated to selling food products and other items, were evicted during an operation led by the Panama Metro, with the support of police units and inspectors from the National Migration Service. The vendors had until the past Sunday to leave the premises of the December 24 metro station, but were informed that the eviction would take place on Tuesday. Some of the merchants decided to dismantle their kiosks and tables in advance of the operation. During the eviction, the small merchants protested with signs and slogans, claiming their right to a "dignified job," as they assert that this activity is their only source of income. "How are we going to live?" One of the spokeswomen for the group stated that the Mayor's Office of Panama had promised relocation to new modern kiosks, but to date, this promise has not been fulfilled. Karina Delgado, Head of Heritage Assets of the Panama Metro, explained that the operation is carried out in compliance with Law 109 of November 25, 2013, and the regulations for travelers, which prohibit the sale of goods and services within the station premises, both permanently and on an itinerant basis. "We are enforcing the current regulations, which prohibit this type of informal activity," affirmed Delgado, who also noted that the eviction was not a surprise for the vendors, as they had been notified of the action more than a year in advance. Furthermore, the official justified the operation by stating that it is necessary to improve the mobility of metro users and order in the area, and revealed that there were serious problems with sanitation and illegality, including unauthorized electrical connections in the area. The eviction of the vendors is part of a continuous effort by the Panama Metro to maintain order and security in its facilities, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
