President José Raúl Mulino has recently revealed that a security plan is being implemented for Colón, in addition to working on the launch of the Mariano Bula stadium. He also mentioned that the Amador Guerrero hospital is expected to be inaugurated by the end of December or in January 2025. Regarding the Colón stadium, there has been interest from France for its use for cargo, which has prompted the president to consider the possibility of leasing it to resolve a pending issue.
Regarding tourism, a new proposal has been developed that will allow passengers to enjoy an extra free day with Copa Airlines. This initiative is expected to attract around 200,000 tourists, benefiting the hotel industry.
Concerning Colón, it has been noted that the area is facing gang-related problems, leading the President to conclude that concrete decisions are necessary regarding this matter. With respect to Social Security, Mulino has expressed the urgency of making changes to the entity, highlighting that 500 million dollars have been overvalued in the budget, a situation inherited from the previous Board of Directors.
In the area of decentralization, several criminal complaints and 518 reports have been presented, which has led to considering the hiring of a forensic audit to clarify possible wrongdoing. The President has emphasized the importance of not politicizing this issue and ensuring the proper use of resources.
Regarding Tocumen airport, Mulino has highlighted the financial burden it represents for the government and the need to make strategic decisions for its development. The possibility of building a third runway and compensating affected neighbors has been mentioned.
During his recent visit to France, various topics of bilateral interest were discussed, including collaboration on environmental issues and France's support for Panama's actions against drug trafficking. Additionally, the entry of Panama into the UN Security Council in the coming years was addressed, representing an opportunity to strengthen the country's role in the region.
After his trip, José Raúl Mulino reported that the subsidy for the 25-pound gas tank will be maintained and that the budget will be allocated to the Community Boards, despite previous budget cuts. The President stated that the approval process for the National General Budget will not require extraordinary sessions, except for the necessary adjustments in Social Security that will be addressed soon in the National Assembly. In terms of development, the need to transform the airport to make it more comprehensive has been highlighted.
