The Chamber of Commerce criticizes the slowness of the budget and me

Mine closure Donoso and the state budget for 2024. are matters concerning the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama.

According to the president of this union, Adolfo Fábrego, at this moment the country should already be clear about the plan for the orderly closure of the mine and know the reformulation of the general state budget for 2024.

Other aspects that citizens should be aware of, according to Fábrega, are the government’s austerity measures and concrete actions to mitigate the damage that thousands of producers, small and micro entrepreneurs suffered after last month’s strike.

“Citizens are looking for answers, transparency, leadership, responsible action and above all, transparent and constant communication. However, the feeling is the opposite, that simply nothing is happening, there is no coherent, realistic, and even less immediate reaction,” said Fábrega.

Despite the complexity of mine closures, the panel questions that all that has been seen is a lackluster statement, forced by public opinion, with supposed future measures, issued by the same authorities responsible for the disaster they led to. Earth.

“At this moment we still don’t know how to proceed and every minute that passes increases the risk of disaster ecological if immediate action is not taken. Furthermore, in the absence of a clear plan, third parties are the ones who start taking actions that can again be counterproductive for the country,” Fábrega added.

For the Chamber, the lack of action by the National Government was constant and unforgivable. considers that letting the ball pass and kicking it forward seems to have become a normal form of public administration, without facing the serious consequences arising from this immobility; or worse, trying to handle this crisis quietly and under the carpet until the current government is done.

It also shows that nothing is known about the draft General State Budget, except for the alleged reformulation that was announced by the Minister of Economy and Finance, also due to pressure from citizens.

“Also, we see with great concern the president of the Budget Committee, Mr National Assembly defiant and arrogant, who seemed to have learned nothing from the general complaints and fatigue of the citizens. This is a critical issue, which will have huge repercussions, not only on the Administration, which takes office in just six months, but also on the entire national economy,” warned the executive.

Faábrega reminds that the country’s economic prospects are difficult, with the possible loss of investment grade and its effects on the cost of financing for all, the significant challenge of continuing the confidence-building process of fiscal consolidation and the international arbitration scenario, all of which require entering an era of austerity and a true commitment to responsible public management finances.

“Everything we propose here is nothing but claim that those who hold responsibility as the government fulfill what they committed to by coming to office: lead the country, make decisions and show their face, even in these difficult times. That, after all, is what defines the character of leaders and what makes the difference for governments when the pressure comes,” said Fábrega.