The Panama Mayor’s Office Cuts Millions and Puts Money Where it Really Works: No More Waste

The Municipality of Panama presented its 2026 Budget, a sum of $242,349,323.00 which comes with the message of less waste and more direct investment in the people.  It is a historic figure because it marks a halt to unnecessary spending and a shift towards austerity and transparency.  This spending plan is 25% less than the one left by the previous administration, and according to the Mayor’s Office, that shows that luxuries and “showy spending” are over.

Cuts That are Definitely Felt on the Street

The current administration reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal discipline by showing substantial, not cosmetic, cuts: 

• Zero car rentals (100% reduction).
• Zero travel and per diem expenses (100% reduction).
• Zero cell phone charges for public officials.
• Less administrative staff, adjusted “to what is really needed.”

All this money saved, they explained, is being directed towards real community projects, not office expenses.

2024–2026 Comparisons:

The financial reports showed that:

• The 2024 budget was $325,580,000.
• By 2026 it falls to $242,349,323, a reduction of -24.26%.
• Compared to 2021, the drop is $34,601,177 (-12.5%).

The change was also seen in implementation:

• The previous administration only executed 50.9% of the 2024 budget.
• In 2025, with the new guidelines, execution rose to 53.4% .

Of the total approved:

• $169,941,519 for the municipal headquarters.
• $72,407,804 for Decentralization , the part that touches on works in neighborhoods, community boards and citizen participation.

Accountability: Four Pillars

1. Responsible payment of the debt they left, avoiding surcharges.
2. Income greater than expenses, to avoid deficit.
3. Faster procedures so that the works reach the districts without so much hassle.
4. 39 projects underway and new works planned for 2026.

The 2026 budget provides resources for:

• Inclusive playgrounds.
• Repair of streets, sidewalks and community access points.
• Smart stops.
• Phase 2 of the renovation of municipal swimming pools.
• More cameras and technology for the Municipal Surveillance Service.

An Extra Push

In addition to the base budget, there will be an additional $5 million for community works, urban maintenance, and social programs. The mayor’s office assures that this budget leaves behind the chaos and senseless spending. Less luxury, more focus on the neighborhood. That’s the message they want to clearly reach people’s wallets and daily lives.