Newsroom Panama Quick Reads for February 27 and 28 of 2026

The Odebrecht Trial Reaches its 24th Day

The Odebrecht trial enters its final phase of arguments Friday, a day in which five defense lawyers spoke, including the representative of former president Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014). Papadimitriu blames his parents and De Lima denies links to front men in Odebrecht trial

Martinelli Requests the Annulment of the Odebrecht Trial Using a Note that the Foreign Ministry Gave Him when Mulino’s Government Began

The day began with the argument of Carlos Carrillo, Martinelli’s lawyer, who showed a note from Fernando Gómez Arbeláez, director of Legal Affairs and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which he indicates that there is no record of any request to “lift” the principle of specialty.

Mulino Warns that he Will Not Allow Any More Road Closures: ‘Nobody will Block this Country Again’

More US Marines Arrive in Panama for Training with Panamanian Security Forces

Car Sales in Panama Rise 10.8% and Loans Skyrocket in 2025

Last year, 60,233 new car registrations were recorded in Panama, an increase of 10.8% compared to the 54,384 registered in 2024, according to figures from INEC and ATTT.

The Ministry of Education’s Bidding Process is complicated by Rising Laptop Costs

Meduca’s (Ministry of Education) had a meeting to approve the computer laptop tender, with a request for price adjustments due to increased technology costs. At the homologation meeting, companies interested in the Meduca laptop tender requested a 25% to 50% increase in the reference price, due to the increase in market costs.

Odebrecht: ‘They knew what they were doing,’ maintains prosecutor Morcillo

She is seeking convictions for 16 people tried in the Odebrecht case and acquittals for 5; it will also seek compensation from 13 defendants in the Odebrecht case.

Banks in Panama Close 2025 with $116 Billion in Deposits

Panoramic view of Panama City at night, commercial area with main banks and government offices.

American Singer Neil Sedaka Has Died at age 86, According to a Family Statement

Singer Neil Sedaka, whose career spanned six decades with hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain,” has died at age 86, according to a family statement.