Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated that his government is working on creating an anti-mafia law inspired by regulations in the United States and Europe, with the aim of more effectively confronting criminal structures both within and outside the country.
The president stressed that, although the fight against organized crime is complex and will not have immediate results, his government remains committed to strengthening the legal and operational tools necessary to combat this phenomenon that affects the safety and well-being of citizens.
Don’t Drag Panama into a Geopolitical Problem
President José Raúl Mulino delivered a strong message on Thursday, pointing to Washington as responsible for sponsoring the trip of a group of National Assembly deputies to Taiwan, a visit that has strained diplomatic relations between Panama and the People’s Republic of China since it was made public.
“This trip is tainted by those who seek to stir up trouble here in Panama regarding the relationship with China,” the president said, assuring that his government will stand firm against any external attempt to generate bilateral friction.
My Government Does Not Endorse That Trip
Mulino reiterated that the Executive Branch is the only body constitutionally empowered to set the country’s foreign policy.
“I will not allow them to bring to Panama a problem that is not Panama’s,” he emphasized. He reiterated that the management of international relations is the exclusive responsibility of the Executive branch and rejected the trip of the deputies to Taiwan, warning that “my government does not endorse that trip, under any circumstances.”
Mulino will accompany María Corina Machado at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony
The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, announced this Thursday that he has been invited by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to accompany her at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which she will receive on December 10 in Oslo, Norway.
“For me, it is very meaningful for Panama to accompany this warrior, a great leader and leader of the Venezuelan people, to whom I wish a swift return to democracy,” Mulino stated in remarks to the media.
The president indicated that he will travel between December 6 and 7 and return to the country on December 11.
Progress on Line 3 of the Panama Metro
On another topic, President Mulino highlighted the progress of Line 3 of the Panama Metro, a project he considers of enormous importance for the country.
Mulino insisted that Panama cannot become the stage for geopolitical confrontations between powers.
During his remarks at the press conference, Mulino explained that they are gathering information and international advice from countries such as the United States, France, and Italy, whose laws have proven effective in dismantling powerful criminal organizations.
Likewise, the Director General of the Panama Metro, Engineer César A. Pinzón, presented a report on the progress of the project, highlighting that the underground section of Line 3 has reached 45% completion.
Pinzón also presented a video showcasing the most important milestones of the project, which will transform mobility between West Panama and the capital.
“One of the most important advances is the start of the process of clearing the names of corporations with suspended status, a task that had been postponed for years and that we are now carrying out with determination and coordination between the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Public Registry and other involved institutions,” the president pointed out.
Regarding the asset forfeiture law, Mulino stated he was willing to promote its enactment, but only if it is a “good technical law” and not a flawed piece of legislation like the one that was attempted to be passed in previous legislatures.
