No money for science while the Assembly wallows in funds

In Panama, there is no money for science but there is money for the expenses of the National Assembly. Examples abound reports La Prensa.

The Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies which played a vital role in the covid-19 pandemic, every year, must beg for more budget to carry out their research projects. This year they were assigned $40.6 million and by 2023, will have less: $34.9 million.

On the other hand, the Legislature receives millions without any filter. For this year, the Ministry of Economy and Finance) assigned $143.9 million, but that figure fell short since until last October it had already increased that budget to $224.9 million. about $81 million more. Double the budget that the Gorgas has for this year.

According to a report prepared by the General Directorate of Administration and Finance, the modified budget of the Assembly is divided as follows: $202.1 million in operation, and $22.8 million in investments. That is, 89.8% has been allocated to payroll expenses, purchase of goods, service contracts, travel, food, and maintenance of structures.

The biggest change to the 2022 budget came between September and October when an increase of $24.3 million was recorded. Last October, when analyzing adjustments to the general state budget for the fiscal term of 2023, the Budget Commission approved a credit for $11.9 million to the Legislature.

On August 5, La Prensa asked the Assembly for the list of all transfers of items and additional credits that the Budget Commission has approved this year for the Legislature., no response has been received.

By 2023, the Assembly will start with $150 million, and, $138.3 will go exclusively to “personal services”, salaries of permanent personnel, and other payrolls.