In Panama, extractivism has been hit hard. An alliance between the most important mass organizations gave rise to a series of mobilizations. The resulting social outcry forced the closure of the mine’s operations.
In retaliation, since 18 November 2023, the government and banks have closed most of the bank accounts of the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (SUNTRACS).
This year, the accounts were completely shut down on the instructions of President Mulino. This was in retaliation against SUNTRACS’ aggressive campaign against Bill 163 that aims to transfer 20 billion dollars of Social Security Fund reserves to private finance capital. This bill will aggravate the already meagre pension funds by moving the entire system to individual accounts, and will also increase the retirement age.
As Donald Trump sets out to colonize the country once again and regain control of its main asset, the canal, the Panamanian government is attacking its own people and granting dangerous concessions to the United States. For example, the military base in the Darien jungle which is intended to be used as a concentration camp to incarcerate migrants expelled from the USA.
We demand that the Panamanian government immediately unblock the SUNTRACS accounts. We demand that the infamous Bill 163 be withdrawn and that the government use its seat on the UN Security Council to denounce Trump’s dangerous threats. We denounce President Mulino’s treacherous action of redefining the southern border of the United States as being in the Darien jungle.
We urge you to launch a solidarity campaign to reopen the SUNTRACS accounts and defend Panama’s right to its canal.
Fourth International
Motion approved by the 18th World Congress