Electricity protests escalate, teachers call strike

As  rising anger over the increase in electricity prices continues to spread through all sectors of Panamanian society from business organizations,  NGO’s, and civic groups to labor unions, street demonstrations entered their third day on Thursday, July 12.

Riot police used tear gas to dispersePanama University professors, administrative staff and students in Panama City on Wednesday, July 11. University authorities repudiated the action of the Police in placing a padlock on the main gate of the University. The same day, The National Association of Teachers (Asoprof)  called for a nationwide 24-hour  “warning”  strike on  Monday, July 16.

Diógenes Sánchez, general secretary of the Asoprof, said that This stoppage seeks to “avoid” the increase in the cost of electric energy electricity, announced by the Public   Services Authority (ASEP), widely predicted to harm the country’s economy and increase prices for consumers.

He indicated that the measure is supported by some 14  teacher organizations. That day, on they will concentrate on the National Assembly starting at 2:00 p.m. “The problem is that this increase will affect everyone … we are all going to bear this increase”, he said.

Education minister Marcela Paredes called on teachers not to affect classes.