Pandemic fuels corruption eases support for democracy

The pandemic has left a greater concentration of power, a greater perception of corruption, and an ambiguous assessment of democracy. The citizenry suffers from severe economic contraction and clings to public services. Gender inequality has deepened in households, and discrimination persists in the country reports a study by the International Center for Political and Social Studies (Cieps).

Regarding citizenship and social rights in the face of the pandemic, the survey revealed that organizations are less valued compared to 2019, with the exception of the Catholic Church and evangelical churches. The biggest drop was suffered by organizations. unions. 

Corruption heads the list of the country’s main problems (23.1%), above insecurity, which had ranked first in 2019. Unemployment is in second place (18.1%), and education is in third place ( 12.8%). Insecurity (12.5%) is in fourth place.

The study says that the fact that corruption is perceived as the main problem is the product of a regional process that gained strength with the Odebrecht scandal. In Panama, this case involved two former presidents. The study also argues that the pandemic and the health emergency have accentuated the phenomenon. The same reveals that 53.7% of citizens believe that corruption has increased in the last year. “Presumably, the emergency situation and the numerous complaints aired during the pandemic have helped position the issue as the main problem for citizens,” explains the investigation.

Democracy
The study also highlights that support for democracy is low. Something that, according to Cieps Director Harry Brown, “is not new, but it should concern us.” “We have found that in 2021 youth are the least supportive of democracy compared to those 50 and older. This should concern us about what are the notions of democracy that the youngest population of the country has”, he adds.

The research says that the percentage of people who affirmed that in some circumstances an authoritarian government may be better than a democratic one remained (from 14.7% to 12.6%), or that an authoritarian government does not matter to them. (from 33.2% to 32.9%).