The Ministry of Economy and Finance has established several key objectives for the national budget for the year 2025. Among them, promoting economic growth through investment in important infrastructure and development projects that boost employment and the quality of life of citizens stands out. Another objective is to improve public services by increasing efficiency and coverage in areas such as health, education, transportation, and sanitation. Furthermore, there is a goal to strengthen security with investments focused on public safety to address the challenges of citizen security and crime, as well as to support vulnerable sectors through the expansion of social assistance programs, especially in rural areas and communities in extreme poverty.
The discussion surrounding the national budget 2025 is closely followed by citizens and international organizations, who emphasize the need for a balanced budget oriented towards sustainable development. Citizens expect agreements that reflect an inclusive and progressive vision, while deputies emphasize the importance of thoroughly reviewing each item to ensure that the budget focuses on the areas of greatest need. The National Assembly faces the challenge of approving a budget that meets the expectations of Panamanians and promotes growth and social well-being in the country. With the deadline approaching, it is expected that the debates will lead to a consensus beneficial for all sectors and that will boost the development of Panama in 2025.
Deputies have demanded that the allocation reach 7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to improve educational quality and ensure access to dignified education for all Panamanians. Investment in education is considered insufficient to address the challenges in the sector, such as the modernization of infrastructure, teacher training, and improving access to technology and educational resources in disadvantaged areas. Although Minister Chapman has acknowledged the importance of education as a driver of development and has ensured increases in strategic areas, some deputies believe that resources are still inadequate.
Another key aspect in the budget discussion is the allocation of funds for local governments within the framework of the Decentralization Law. Decentralization seeks to grant more resources and autonomy to municipal governments, allowing them to make decisions about necessary projects and services. However, past misuse of funds has raised concerns among deputies about the effectiveness of decentralization. The Budget Commission has proposed strategies to streamline the review of the budget before the deadline of October 31.
In summary, the general state budget for 2025 aims to boost the economic and social development of Panama amidst global and local challenges. The debate surrounding the budget is vital to ensure that allocations are adequate to respond to the needs of the population and promote the country's development in the coming years.
