45. The Politics of Panamá (I) - José Pérez Barboni

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At 25 years of age, José Pérez Barboni is one of the youngest members of Panama’s National Assembly. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate state of politics and governance on the isthmus and the peculiar system of elections that continues to shape the development of one of Latin America’s most pivotal economies.

More than a canal…

Panama, the proverbial (and literal) bridge of the Americas, is not defined simply by the infamous trans-oceanic marvel that is the Panama Canal. The country of just over 4 million sits at the forefront of an immigration crisis brought on by the veritable collapse of its neighbor Venezuela. Barboni, who is intimately familiar with the state of affairs, gives insights on what is being done to alleviate the strain on Panama’s resources, as well as bring regional and international attention to the precarious balance between humanitarian efforts and diplomatic action on the largest exodus in the modern history of the continent.

Fool me once!

Say no to colonial trade zones. José gives the rundown on local opposition to a mining deal and the true underlying cause of the early 2023 riots that paralyzed Panama. An aversion to repetition of the unfair conditions of the historic Panama Canal Zone and public frustration with a continued lack of government transparency fueled month-long protests which resulted in the rejection of an environmentally dubious mining contract.

The future could be bright.

How can we bring younger minds and opinions into governing roles? José shares his thought process and journey to the National Assembly. What can the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean learn from Panama’s prominent independent candidate culture and how has this shaped José’s party, Otro Camino?