Tagged: Panama

According to Proexchangerates, the government of Panama is a representative democracy based on the constitution of 1972. It has three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the President, who is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and can be re-elected once. The current president is Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, who was elected in 2019. The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National Assembly, which has 71 members elected by popular vote to four-year terms. Lastly, the judicial branch is composed of a Supreme Court of Justice and several lower courts including appellate courts and courts of first instance. The main political parties in Panama are the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), which has been in power since 2004; the Panameñista Party (PP); the Popular Party (PP); and the Independent Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA). The PRD is currently in control of both houses of Congress as well as holding the presidency. Other minor parties such as the Democratic Change party have also had representation in Congress in recent years. Panama has various independent agencies responsible for different areas such as public works, social security and health care. These agencies are typically headed by an appointed director or board of directors chosen by either the President or Congress. They are responsible for developing regulations and policies related to their areas as well as implementing them through their respective offices or departments. The government of Panama also has several ministries that operate within it, including those responsible for foreign affairs; labor; economy; education; health; public works; tourism; housing and urban development; environment; culture and sports; transportation and communications among others. Each ministry has its own departmental structure with directors appointed by either the President or Congress depending on their area of expertise or responsibility. Panama also boasts a strong civil society with numerous organizations dedicated to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance, transparency, accountability among other topics related to civic engagement and public policy making at both national and international levels. These organizations have played an important role in advocating for issues such as environmental protection, women’s rights, LGBT rights among others both locally within Panama itself as well as internationally through advocacy campaigns directed at regional bodies such as the Organization of American States (OAS) or global bodies such United Nations (UN). Panama is a small Central American country located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and it has established strong foreign relations with many countries around the world. Since becoming an independent nation in 1903, Panama has sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other nations in order to promote regional stability and economic development. The United States is one of Panama’s closest partners, and the two countries maintain close political, economic, and military ties. The US provides financial aid to Panama through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) as well as defense assistance through the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S). In addition, they cooperate on initiatives related to security, trade, and environmental protection. Panama also maintains diplomatic relations with many countries around the world including China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Cuba and Venezuela. These countries are essential for Panama’s economic development as they provide access to funding opportunities and technical assistance. Panama is an active member of several international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), Organization of American States (OAS), Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), Central American Integration System (SICA), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Andean Community of Nations (CAN). These organizations are essential for promoting peace and stability in the region as well as facilitating trade between member states. In terms of regional cooperation Panama is a member of several agreements such as SICA which seeks to promote economic integration between Central American countries while strengthening their political ties. Additionally, Panama participates in joint military exercises with Colombia and Ecuador as part of SICA’s regional security strategy. This demonstrates a commitment to regional cooperation that will help ensure peace and stability throughout Central America. See themotorcyclers for Panama defense and foreign policy.