Panama Enacts Emergency Measures Amidst Escalating Protests in Banana Region

Shops looted and buildings vandalized in response to controversial pension cuts, leading to a state of emergency in Bocas del Toro as protests intensify.

Panama has officially declared a state of emergency in its key banana-producing province of Bocas del Toro due to escalating protests and violence stemming from dissatisfaction over proposed pension reforms. As demonstrations intensified over the past month, shops were looted and public buildings vandalized, prompting government action. The emergency declaration includes a suspension of constitutional rights for the next five days, imposing restrictions on freedom of movement and empowering police to make arrests without warrants.

The turmoil began when the local banana workers union joined a nationwide movement opposing significant pension cuts and subsequently initiated a strike. Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac proclaimed that the government must preserve order and restore peace in the region, highlighting the necessity of extraordinary measures to combat what he described as radical threats to public safety.

The unrest has been particularly fueled by actions from Chiquita Brands, which laid off thousands of striking workers. In recent confrontations, protesters have erected roadblocks and engaged in violent clashes with law enforcement. Recently, massive crowds attacked infrastructure associated with Chiquita Brands, including damage to a local airport. The protests in Panama have roots in larger national grievances towards pension reform, which began to surface back in March, leading to widespread unrest across the country.