Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino spoke directly to the people, stating: “Panama is not going to fail… and neither am I.” He recalled that his government has curbed imports that were harming agriculture, and that it will do the same again if necessary: “I am not going to leave national production unprotected.” Regarding alleged bids from Chinese companies to operate ports, Mulino was curt: “That doesn’t exist.” He emphasized this phrase when addressing the most pressing issue on the street: the economy. The president acknowledged that international organizations highlight Panama for its growth, but he also reminded everyone of the unresolved inequalities that have persisted for decades. “And that doesn’t get fixed overnight,” he added. Mulino concluded with a line that made it clear this is not a new problem: “Panama 2 didn’t begin last month.” In this regard, the president emphasized three pillars he sees as key to change and closing the inequality gap: strong public education, technical careers that lead to real jobs, and youth with access to financing to start businesses and enter the formal economy. Mulino asked to leave behind “the birds of ill omen.” In his talk, he spoke out against those he believes are trying to make his administration fail. When questioned about a group of legislators visiting Taiwan, Mulino said: “I hope they enjoy Taiwan, but they don’t have the legal authority to discuss investment matters.” “There are people who would like the country to fail so that I will fail. I don’t know who invented that news,” the president stated. Regarding the Meduca tender and the reduction in milk for the school program, Mulino indicated, “I am not going to allow that tender to affect Panamanian producers.” He stated that he requested talks with the Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, to review the contract and understand why the amount was reduced.
