President José Raúl Mulino participated in the civic events held in the district of Boquete, Chiriquí province, to celebrate the 204th anniversary of Panama's Independence from Spain on November 28, 1821.
In his message, President Mulino thanked Panamanians «for making the nation every day with their effort, dedication, and unconditional love for the country». He pointed out that these historical events wrote the story of the formation of a sovereign homeland and an independent territory like the one we know today.
The head of state also mentioned the actions taken by his government to restore a sound foreign policy. Finally, he emphasized the need to close a successful year by ordering the finances and, above all, reactivating the stalled works.
«What they have done to Panama borders treason to the homeland, leaving hospitals, water treatment plants, schools, and roads in neglect… I am a person with flaws, but I will never betray the homeland I love,» he stated.
The president concluded his intervention with a message to the people on economic matters. There, the national flag was handed over to Minister Juan Carlos Orillac, the official standard-bearer for this November 28.
The ceremony also served as the framework for President Mulino to review the historical events that preceded the Panamanian people in achieving independence. «We cannot continue to take the easy path, the populist 'play smart' route that has led us to the brink of the abyss,» he concluded.
This is a path that highlights favorable macroeconomic data and lays the groundwork to start moving the wheel of the economy, with palpable improvements in the microeconomy that will translate into benefits for consumers in stores, businesses, and the generation of new opportunities.
Following the official act, where Boquete's mayor, Eduardo Rodríguez, also participated, the civic parade along Boquete's Central Avenue began. More than 60 delegations, including schools, institutions, and independent bands, marched and paid tribute to the country, thus closing the Independence Month celebrations.
