Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations
Abstract
With four successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. The current President, Martin Torrijos of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), was elected in May 2004 and inaugurated to a 5-year term in September 2004. Torrijos, the son of former populist leader General Omar Torrijos, won a decisive electoral victory with almost 48% of the vote in a four-man race. Torrijos' electoral alliance also won a majority of seats in the unicameral Legislative Assembly. The most significant challenges facing the Torrijos government have included dealing with the funding deficits of the country's social security fund, developing plans for the expansion of the Panama Canal, and combating unemployment and poverty. In April 2006, the government unveiled its ambitious plans to build a third lane and new set of locks that will double the Canal's capacity. In an October 2006 referendum on the issue, 78% of voters supported the expansion project, which officially began in September 2007. Panama's service-based economy has been booming in recent years, but income distribution remains highly skewed, with large disparities between the rich and poor. The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current relationship is characterized by extensive counternarcotics cooperation, assistance to help Panama assure the security of the Canal, and negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The United States is providing an estimated $7.7 million in foreign aid in FY2008. For FY2009, the Administration requested $11.6 million in bilateral foreign aid, not including an additional $8.9 million under the Merida Initiative.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484725
Entities
People
- Justin Rivas
- Mark P. Sullivan
Organizations
- Library of Congress