Panama Partially Suspends Constitution in Unrest-Ridden Western Region

Panama Partially Suspends Constitution Amid Unrest

The government of Panama has temporarily suspended certain constitutional rights in the western region of the country following escalating protests. Residents of the Bocas del Toro province will lose their rights to assembly and free movement for the next five days. The decision comes after violent clashes between protesters and police, as well as widespread looting in the provincial capital, Changuinola.

Roots of the Unrest

The protests began in March 2025 after the government implemented pension reforms, which have been met with fierce opposition, particularly from labor unions representing workers in the banana plantations of Bocas del Toro. The demonstrations have grown increasingly violent, with protesters erecting roadblocks and clashing with law enforcement.

Government Response

In response to the chaos, the government declared a state of emergency in late May and has now taken the drastic step of partially suspending the constitution. A government minister accused "radical groups" of inciting violence and justified the measures as necessary to "save the province and restore order."

Impact on the Region

The unrest has disrupted daily life in Bocas del Toro, with attacks on businesses, including a local Chiquita banana facility and the regional airport. The government has deployed additional security forces to the area, but tensions remain high.