Clashes between protesters and police in Bocas del Toro, a significant banana-producing province in Panama, have resulted in at least one fatality and approximately 30 people injured. The situation has prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and curtail some constitutional rights. These measures are aimed at restoring order and countering violence described by officials as unacceptably damaging public properties.
The unrest reflects broader discontent over a recently passed pension reform law that sparked widespread protests nationwide, with emphasis on the province of Bocas del Toro. Notably, workers from the local Chiquita banana plantation played a central role in the demonstrations. The multinational Chiquita branded the strike as an unauthorised absence and dismissed thousands of employees. However, some benefits for the workers were managed to be reinstated after negotiations.
Throughout the turmoil, the authorities pointed towards significant disruptions and acts of violence, including the arson of a baseball stadium and looting of businesses including the local airport. These actions have led to an increased presence of security forces in the region, with the suspension of certain rights intended to last for five days.
The protests, supported by various unions and indigenous groups, also relate to another controversial decision by the government to allow the deployment of US troops to bases near the Panama Canal, a move that has experienced resistance from local communities and environmentalists. The government’s stance on pension reforms and its approach to American military presence have evidenced widespread discontent among Panamanians, calling into question the balance between economic and political stability in the country.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/21/panama-declares-emergency-in-western-province-after-deadly-pension-protests?traffic_source=rss
