Three Weeks of Anti-Neoliberal Protests in Panama

With guest Ronaldo Ortiz, National Coordinator for FRENADESO (El
Frente Amplio por la Democracia, Panamá)


This episode is bilingual.


For English subtitles, please visit: https://youtu.be/s3MooQE9w_E


Background:


Earlier this week, The Panamanian government and protesters edged
closer to an agreement to end a weeks-long cost-of-living revolt
that has blocked roads, interrupted food supplies and damaged the
economy. Authorities agreed in the early morning hours of July 25
to reduce the price of 72 basic consumer items by some 30 percent
on average.


For three weeks, amid worsening economic woes for Panama,
protesters demanding lower fuel, food and medicine prices have
blockaded the crucial Pan-American Highway and other major roads
with stalled trucks and burning tires. Some have clashed with
police.


Despite its dollarized economy and impressive growth figures, the
country of 4.4 million people has one of the world's highest
rates of social inequality, with poor access to health services,
education and clean drinking water in some areas.


The demonstrations have triggered food and fuel shortages in some
parts of the country, and the business sector says some $500
million has been lost.


Even before the talks started, the government had lowered the
price of 18 basic products and that of fuel from $5.20 per gallon
to $3.25 in an unsuccessful bid to end the standoff.


Protesters had demanded a lowering of the price of 82 products
and want a limit to be imposed on company profits, a measure the
government has rejected.


Other demands include reducing the price of medicines and
electricity, increasing investment in education and the public
health system, and measures against government corruption.


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Additional Links:


FRENADESO Panama: https://www.facebook.com/frenadeso.panama


FRENADESO: https://twitter.com/CELIOGUERRA





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