OPINION: When “influencers” reach the cookie jar

This era of technological change has created new trades, which were never considered in the structure of public administration. One of these cases is that of the so-called “influencers”, whose role is relevant in the world of social networks.

The appointment of numerous local influencers on the State payroll causes sting, because there is no transparency about their functions, and the measurement of the impact of their work. The growth of the state payroll during the pandemic, which extends to entities such as the National Assembly, raises serious doubts about the use of the country’s scarce public revenues.

 What essential and urgent role do the contractors fulfill? As has become known in recent weeks, due to the scandals of misbehavior of state servants, there are already many cases of appointments linked to deputies. The increase in staff in times of pandemic is an insult to Panamanians who face the uncertainty of suspended contracts, closed businesses, destroyed jobs and nonexistent clients – LA PRENSA, Aug.30