The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, signed Law 293, which dictates the General State Budget for the 2026 fiscal year, for a total amount of B/.34,901 million. This budget includes a major investment program of B/.11,188 million aimed at boosting the economy, generating employment, and improving the quality of life for Panamanians. President Mulino highlighted that the budget allocation has a social focus that prioritizes the population's needs and ensures the provision of essential services, while also promoting the state's productivity and fiscal sustainability. «This budget reflects our government's commitment to the people, to education, health, and the well-being of all Panamanians,» stated the president. Each balboa invested seeks to create opportunities and strengthen confidence in the country's institutions, he added. In the Health sector, the allocated budget was B/.10,049 million, of which B/.1,838 million corresponds to the Ministry of Health and B/.8,211 million to the Social Security Fund. For the Education sector, the budget was B/.5,690 million, of which B/.3,639.5 million corresponds to the Ministry of Education; additionally, B/.830.5 million goes to Universities and Specialized Institutes and B/.1,219 million to other sectors that contribute to education. Similarly, for the Agro sector, the budget for the 2026 fiscal year was B/.279.6 million, while in Public Works it was B/.715 million and the amount of B/.985 million was allocated to Security. The 2026 General State Budget maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility, projecting a reduction of the deficit from 4.0% of GDP in 2025 to 3.5% in 2026, in accordance with the Fiscal Social Responsibility Law. Likewise, this budget reflects efficiency in the use of public resources, transparency in its distribution, and promotes inclusive economic growth. With the signing of this law, the National Government reaffirms its commitment to managing public resources with efficiency and responsibility, ensuring that every investment contributes to the social and economic progress of Panama.
