José Raúl Mulino was sworn in as Panama’s president, promising to shut down irregular migration through the Darien Gap. Nearly 200,000 migrants have crossed so far in 2024, mostly from countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. The U.S. has committed to covering the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally. Mulino has announced plans to seek an agreement with the U.S. to aid in deporting migrants. This marks a shift from the outgoing administration, which helped migrants cross the country quickly and orderly.
Mulino faces challenges in managing the Panama Canal and plugging a hole in the budget caused by the scrapping of a mining concession. He criticized the outgoing administration for leaving a weakened economy and high levels of debt. Mulino promised to focus on resolving the issues affecting the majority of Panamanians, including combating poverty through youth employment programs and infrastructure improvement.
The new president is committed to ending irregular immigration through the Darien Gap, but this policy may face opposition from various groups and interests. Strengthened enforcement efforts in Panama could reduce the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border, but may encourage riskier paths and benefit smugglers. Mulino’s presidency marks a new direction for Panama, with a focus on addressing economic challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens.
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