The new president of the Popular Party (PP), Cirilo Salas, this Saturday urged his fellow party members to work towards recovering trust in political parties, in the face of 'attacks from those who have made no contribution to Panamanian democracy'. In his first message upon formally assuming the presidency of the political collective, he criticized those who have sought to discredit political parties, 'which are the ones that have kept democracy afloat, but some want to demonize them'. 'There is an opportunity to recover trust in political parties,' Salas said. Additionally, he urged the rest of the collectives to hold a national dialogue, with the focus on the well-being and progress of Panamanians. 'Political parties are obliged to make profound changes, amend errors, and walk towards a national concertation in which the issues that benefit the Panamanian population are discussed,' Salas pointed out. He reiterated that politics 'is not to serve oneself, but to serve,' and that the new leadership of the Popular Party is made up of 'common people, who fight against corruption,' adding that it 'is not only in the official spheres, but also in the private sector'. Salas highlighted the sustained growth the party has had, by winning two legislative seats, and achieving electoral victories in May 2024 with five Mayors and thirteen Representatives of Corregimiento, in different parts of the country. At the event, held at the headquarters of the Popular Party on Avenida Perú, the vice presidents of the collective were also sworn in, as well as the various leadership positions, with the aim of remaining relevant for the 2025-2030 period.
