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Three Weeks of Anti-Neoliberal Protests in Panama
Manage episode 394128189 series 3547779
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With guest Ronaldo Ortiz, National Coordinator for FRENADESO (El Frente Amplio por la Democracia, Panamá)
This episode is bilingual.
For English subtitles, please visit: https://youtu.be/s3MooQE9w_E
Background:
Earlier this week, The Panamanian government and protesters edged closer to an agreement to end a weeks-long cost-of-living revolt that has blocked roads, interrupted food supplies and damaged the economy. Authorities agreed in the early morning hours of July 25 to reduce the price of 72 basic consumer items by some 30 percent on average.
For three weeks, amid worsening economic woes for Panama, protesters demanding lower fuel, food and medicine prices have blockaded the crucial Pan-American Highway and other major roads with stalled trucks and burning tires. Some have clashed with police.
Despite its dollarized economy and impressive growth figures, the country of 4.4 million people has one of the world's highest rates of social inequality, with poor access to health services, education and clean drinking water in some areas.
The demonstrations have triggered food and fuel shortages in some parts of the country, and the business sector says some $500 million has been lost.
Even before the talks started, the government had lowered the price of 18 basic products and that of fuel from $5.20 per gallon to $3.25 in an unsuccessful bid to end the standoff.
Protesters had demanded a lowering of the price of 82 products and want a limit to be imposed on company profits, a measure the government has rejected.
Other demands include reducing the price of medicines and electricity, increasing investment in education and the public health system, and measures against government corruption.
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Additional Links:
FRENADESO Panama: https://www.facebook.com/frenadeso.panama
FRENADESO: https://twitter.com/CELIOGUERRA
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