Panama’s Corruption Pandemic

The general budget of the State for the next year -pre-election- contemplates an increase in expenses destined to pay the payroll, which would increase several hundred million, despite the fact that a month ago, in the middle of a day of protests and closures, the Government promised to lower it by 10%. But it did not even freeze this spending, but instead increased it, something that is surely in line with the plans of dishonest politicians who claim that their campaign expenses – at least in terms of their personnel – be paid by the State, for which they need to increase –as they have done– the payroll. This strategy is one of the most clumsy things of the Government since we are very clear that income is not enough to cover expenses, which translates into an increase in public debt since there is no other way to pay for such high outlays. The irresponsibility of this administration brings us dangerously close to a compromising position to deal with the growing and skyrocketing debt, endangering – as has already been warned – the investment grade. What we will inherit from the PRD will be debts and a pandemic of corruption never seen before. – LA PRENSA, Aug. 21.