150 associations react to return to the streets threats

The National Alliance for Panama, consisting of over 150 associations,  called for a role in, the ongoing dialogue in Penonomé, to recover trust, peace, personal security and respect for private property.

At a Tuesday press conference, their spokesmen stated that “the method that is currently being followed “does not represent the majority of the country”, referring to the dialogue table, where social groups and representatives of the Executive participate.

Instead, “in the Great National Alliance for Panama, we propose to effectively integrate all sectors in all regions”

The president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Panama, Alicia Jiménez, called for the establishment of a “large inclusive and participatory national table.”

To this end, Jiménez announced that they have organized into 10 commissions, such as fishing and aquaculture, trade and exporters, industry and manufacturing, health services, and pharmacy, among others

 Jiménez said that the Great National Alliance for Panama rejects any pressure action that affects free transit. “Threats cannot be established in a dialogue where solutions are sought,” he asserted. This, after indigenous leaders who participate in the talks with the Executive, warned of the possibility of resuming forceful actions in the streets, in case the agreements reached with the Government are not complied with.

 Carlos Pittí stressed that the movement wants to develop a new social pact where all Panamanians are represented.

Pittí said that they would be willing to be part of the dialogue, but t it is done with “responsibility”.” He said that to be part of the  table it is necessary to review the agreements that have been made there and where “more burden has been placed on the country’s productive sector.”

The president of the Association of Restaurants and Related, Domingo de Obaldía, said that the Single Table ” was born deformed”, while regretting that after the first decisions were made there, the Executive called the private sector to a meeting. “How can we solve the problem that has already appeared in a Gazette ?” he said.

Spokesmen said that the organizations have come together to “collectively” address the important challenges facing the country. “The purpose is to redirect the country towards a fair, prosperous, supportive, inclusive, and peaceful society and to face the what’s in it for me? challenge.”