The National Assembly of Panama approved on January 26 a proposal that allows deputies to practice law without leaving their position. The decision was passed by a majority and immediately reignited the debate over possible conflicts of interest. This measure marks a change from 2025, when a similar initiative was rejected. This time, the votes were sufficient, and the proposal advanced amid questioning from within the hemicycle itself. The Assembly's approval exposed internal shifts. One of the most commented on was that of Deputy Ernesto Cedeño, who in the past opposed parliamentarians practicing law, but on this occasion voted in favor of the proposal, fueling the controversy. Deputy Janine Prado, from the Vamos bench, warned that allowing deputies to litigate could open the door to private interests linked to the State, affecting transparency. Other deputies defended that it is a professional right that should not be prohibited. Meanwhile, the decision will continue its process and it is expected that the issue will once again ignite public debate.
