Questions loom over national dialogue

What can we expect from the national dialogue called by the President of the Republic? Panamanians know the problems that must be solved immediately, in the medium and long term. Dialogue is a laudable initiative, but huge doubts hang over it. The first actors in these debates will undoubtedly be the politicians of the existing parties, the same ones who, by action or omission, are largely responsible for the country’s limited progress in matters such as education, health, etc. Second, the solutions that are agreed should be measurable and the responsibilities that arise from them have faces. Without a process to evaluate progress and without someone to account for it, this effort will only be a monumental waste of time and, consequently, of trust. The theme of this dialogue is not to identify problems, it is to seek, analyze and discuss solutions, with the participation of citizens. And, although reaching the goals that are set will depend largely on politicians, they will have to be given the benefit of the doubt. They have before them an opportunity to interact with citizens and, together, to find solutions. The country hopes they will not waste it, because patience and trust have limits. – LA PRENSA, Nov. 26.