The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, defended the law on the retirement system of the Social Security Fund (CSS), recently approved, stating that it was the result of a transparent democratic process and is not driven by hidden interests, as suggested by some critical sectors. Mulino highlighted that this law has been one of the most discussed, analyzed, and controversial since the return to democracy in Panama. He emphasized that its eventual repeal would be economically harmful and would damage the international image of the country.
The president condemned the violence, insults, and slander used by radical groups to protest against the law. He stressed that the law does not include increases in contributions or the elimination of the CSS solidarity system, as some critics have claimed. Mulino also assured that there is no room for dialogue on this law, as it is in effect and will remain so. He pointed out that none of the protesters' demands were included in the law and criticized those who seem to be unaware of its true content.
The president indicated that the renewal of the Board of Directors of the CSS was one of his actions, including new representatives from the unions, and criticized those who allowed the deterioration of the institution without taking measures. He emphasized that the debate process was public and that at no time was there an attempt to approve the law secretly.
Mulino expressed his disagreement with the protests that have affected the educational sector and mentioned that students should not be used as human shields for political purposes. He also denied that the law privatized CSS services and highlighted that it had the support of 48 democratically elected deputies. He warned about the blockades in the banana sector in Bocas del Toro, indicating that they could trigger the closure of farms and massive job losses.
In summary, President Mulino defended the legitimacy and transparency of the approval process of the CSS law, rejected unfounded criticisms towards the regulation, and emphasized that its objective is to maintain the stability and economic progress of the country.
