The Panamanian Social Security (CSS) has filed 585 criminal complaints with the Public Ministry for the improper retention of quotas amounting to 13 million dollars, an offense punishable by 2 to 4 years in prison. President José Raúl Mulino stated that the budget for fiscal year 2026 includes sufficient funds to make these disbursements; therefore, no institution should be in arrears with the CSS. On the contrary, payments must be made without issues. This "laxity" of the government not paying the Social Security Security (CSS) fees deducted from public officials will end under this administration, or at least that is what President José Raúl Mulino intends. He announced that he has ordered his Cabinet members to comply, without exceptions, with this obligation, which previous administrations overlooked, causing an open wound to the CSS. He also revealed that one ministry, whose name he did not mention, has a debt of around 17 million dollars for over 10 years. Mulino stressed that this situation cannot continue; therefore, in the Council of Ministers, he will reiterate his call to the authorities to address the issue. He also recalled that this month marks one year since the presentation and discussion of the CSS reform project in the National Assembly.
Panama's President Aims to End Social Security Fee Defaults
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced measures to end the government's failure to pay Social Security (CSS) fees. He ordered his Cabinet to settle a multi-million dollar debt, ensuring financial discipline and the stability of the social security system for public employees.
