Panamanian President Mulino described this news as “supremely important and encouraging,” emphasizing that it reflects the stability, security, and strength of the Panamanian economic system. From Panama’s risk rating to advancements in medical infrastructure and the fight against drug trafficking, the president highlighted significant achievements and presented his vision for the challenges facing the country.
Moody’s confirmed Panama’s sovereign rating at Baa3, keeping it within investment grade. “This is extremely important and encouraging news because it projects stability, security, and above all, the current Panamanian economic system to the entire world, and it gives confidence for foreign investment to continue and increase in our country,” the president stated.
Specifically, the president announced that the cornerstone of the pet hospital in Panama will be laid soon. He also announced the opening of the Guararé polyclinic next week, which will benefit 10,000 Panamanians. Regarding other hospital infrastructure, the president announced that the Bugaba hospital, which had been abandoned for 10 years, will be inaugurated on November 27. This facility has been renovated to world-class standards.
President Mulino also addressed the issue of violence in the country, analyzing the evolution of crime rates. He recalled that in 2009, Panama registered 254 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, a phenomenon that skyrocketed starting in 2006. While acknowledging that gangs and drug trafficking are the main factors fueling the violence, he emphasized that the fight against crime is a task that involves all sectors of the country, not just the authorities.
In this context, the president congratulated the National Aeronaval Service for the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. They seized 13.5 tons of drugs, an effort also recognized by U.S. drug enforcement authorities. The president highlighted the importance of investing in public safety equipment, mentioning that this seizure is three times greater than the value of the Tucano aircraft.
President Mulino also clarified that the training exercises of U.S. military personnel in the Darien and Sherman areas are authorized by Panama and are not related to tensions between the United States and Venezuela. “We are not lending our territory for any hostile act against any country in the world,” he stated.
In a more relaxed tone, Mulino expressed his support for the Panamanian national soccer team, currently in Guatemala. “I hope and trust that the judges will keep them in custody, because the efforts of our security agencies are useless if the judges then make them sign in,” Mulino stated, visibly annoyed by the situation.
On the other hand, the president clarified that there will be no day off if the soccer team qualifies, assuring that “the country has to produce and work,” although he stressed that, without a doubt, it would be a day of “national rejoicing.”
On the occasion of Journalist’s Day, President Mulino extended his congratulations to all journalists in the country, recognizing their fundamental role in democracy and freedom of expression. He emphasized that many journalists work “in very harsh conditions,” but their contribution is essential to keeping the country informed. The president also recalled the figure of Gaspar Octavio Hernández, considered the father of journalism in Panama.
Finally, Mulino announced that tomorrow he will travel to the province of Coclé, specifically to Penonomé and La Pintada, to review works and support fairs of the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA). He will also accompany his wife, First Lady Marisel de Mulino, in the development of the “Misión Patitas” project, which has cared for more than 15,000 pets.
