The independent presidential candidate for the 2024 consultation, economist Maribel Gordón, explained that the president is once again mocking the people in the streets and calling for the abolition of the pact with the subsidiary of the Canadian transnational corporation First Quantum, which harms sovereignty. Heritage and environment.
Telling pensioners that their pension adjustments depend on the disruption to life caused by open-pit metal mining is disrespectful, he stressed.
Noting that Law 406 is in force, he added that Cortizo prefers to continue supporting the interests of foreign transnational and local partners, while the population is on the streets and has made it clear: we do not want open-pit mining, the fight continues. he added.
Also, the coordinator of the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights, Jorge Guzmán, pointed out that the head of state calls for respect of the law if he is the first to commit this crime by allowing the mining company to plunder natural resources resources and its threatening disregard for the sovereign’s claims are clear.
For his part, independent deputy Juan Diego Vázquez explained that although the head of state pointed out that no one is above the law in the country, he had forgotten about the mining company itself, “whose new contract was approved in violation of several current laws.” And of course the corrupt people who rule with him and respect neither the law nor the people,” he hinted.
Another reaction was that of independent MP Edison Broce, who said: “Bottom line on the president’s message: We are not interested in what you say or your rejection of the contract.” The priority is the mine. The contract is valid because it is valid, and whoever breaks it falls down.
Saúl Méndez, general secretary of the Unified National Union of Construction Workers and Similar Industrial Workers (Suntracs), explained that they are waiting for Cortizo to present a bill to repeal this new contract during the Cabinet Council meeting.
He also called for the televised debate to be opened and for people to go to the polls, as they do in a democratic state, while remaining on the streets.
That day marked the second consecutive day of protests against the pact, while the president once again defended it and highlighted its contribution to the economy and job creation.
At midday and in front of the presidential embassy, blockades were recorded on highways and bridges connecting to the country’s capital.
The demonstrations, which led to clashes with riot police in some places, intensified after President Cortizo quickly sanctioned and promulgated the controversial treaty law on Friday.
This Tuesday, the Association of Doctors, Dentists and Allied Professionals of the Social Security Fund (Amoacss) announced that, starting tomorrow, it will initiate a 72-hour work stoppage, which can be extended, in all health facilities in the country to reject this pact.
Due to the massive protests, the major banks announced that they would close their branches early for security reasons.
While the Academic Council of the University of Panama (UP) called on the executive to revoke the mining concession agreement.
However, in the face of the protests sparked by the new Law 406, against which there are already three complaints of unconstitutionality before the Supreme Court, Cortizo told the nation that there was no going back and called for reason and respect for the laws and institutions, private and public property and free passage.
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