University classes suspended for days of protest

The Academic Council of the University of Panama has suspended in-person classes on October 23 and 24 on the central campus, the Harmodio Arias Madrid campus, and in the faculties of Education, Public Administration and Business Administration announced the rector, Eduardo Flores Castro on Sunday.

The measure is announced in response to the calls for mobilizations that various groups in society have made to show their opposition to the contract between the State and Minera Panamá (now converted into Law 406 of 2023 ).

Rector Flores recommended the implementation of virtual classes on the days when the in-person classes are suspended. Regional centers and university extensions may take similar measures he noted.

Meanwhile, administrative tasks will be carried out during these two days, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

On Friday, despite countless citizen protests throughout the country, President Laurentino Cortizo sanctioned Law No. 406 which approves the mining concession contract between the State and Minera Panamá.

Teachers and construction workers are among groups that have announced marches and road closures.