For years, the General State Budget in Panama has been under the control of a National Assembly characterized by political clientelism, focused on obtaining electoral and political benefits. This approach has limited the effectiveness and transparency in the allocation of public resources, leading to the budget not being used optimally for the benefit of the population.
In this context, the need to reform how the budget is prepared and approved becomes imperative. The goal is for the budget to be truly aligned with the needs and priorities of the Panamanian people and not to be influenced by short-term political interests.
As part of this change process, it is essential to promote greater citizen participation in the preparation and oversight of the budget. This can help ensure that public resources are effectively allocated to sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and security, which are fundamental to the well-being of the population.
In the words of an economics expert, 'It is necessary for the General State Budget to reflect the true needs of the Panamanian people and not become a tool for political negotiation. Only in this way can we ensure efficient and transparent use of public resources for the benefit of all citizens.' Adopting a public interest-centered approach, rather than individual political agendas, is crucial to achieving a budget that truly serves the people and not the politicians.
