Budgetary imbalance and absence of waivers

In the middle of the budget whirlwind and decisions Ministry of Economy and Finance, Panama once again witnesses a spectacle that reveals the current government’s lack of engagement. The reduction of the digital voucher and fuel subsidy is not enough and reflects the inability to effectively manage the country’s resources.

And in reality, with everything and the cut, this budget is far from what the citizens asked for (in accordance with the current reality of Panama), but it seems like a tool to cover the campaign expenses of the current politicians.

In the analysis of the situation, it is undeniable that The population is already at the limit, and unfortunately these cuts do not lead to significant improvements in key areas. On the contrary, the question resonates most strongly with the minister’s scissors: Who benefits from this cut? The answer lies in the unpleasant reality, the budget of the National Assembly, which should be among the first to be an example of moderation and prudence, remains practically intact.

Deputies, with an excessive and inflated budget, They had to face significant cuts. Instead, they seem set against austerity. The budgetary imbalance is another example of the lack of real will of the representatives to fairly share the economic burdens and the lack of strategic vision.

And while the population perceives the reduction of subsidies as fair and necessary, spending in the legislature seems untouchable. This scenario deepens the gap of mistrust between citizens and those who should represent their interests National Assembly. The lack of empathy with the population only reinforces that the representatives are disconnected from the real needs of the people. The unfulfilled promise to reduce the state budget by 10 percent is just another example of frivolity in managing citizens’ expectations.

Outrage grows when details of the 400 advisers are revealed assembly of representatives and 702 “culture promoters” available, at a price of HRK 6.5 million. Such practices only encourage mistrust and skepticism regarding transparency in the management of public funds. It’s time to ask why these numbers don’t get the same scrutiny as cuts to essential social programs.

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Citizens deserve a budget that effectively solves the problems they face every day. It is not enough to cut a million here and there, while special laws with 4,500 million in a five-year period and debt repayment with 1,100 million annually throw us into debt that threatens our future. Most serious of all, these special laws only serve to protect officers who do not want to work or who simply do not have the skills to earn recognition in a fair way.

It is time for a radical transformation in the National Assembly. Citizens are looking for representatives who are committed, transparent and capable of managing the country responsibly and socially sensitively.

We cannot allow ourselves to continue to be governed by those who put their personal interests ahead of the common good. It’s time to open up space for new options, for leaders committed to the true progress of Panama.