Brief 3: Mulino´s economic team is taking shape with today´s announcement.

PANAMA - In Brief 16 May 2024 by Marco Fernandez
The Minister of Environment (Medio Ambiente) is Juan Carlos Navarro. Although under a different scenario this Ministry would be operating outside the traditional realm of the economic team, the current circumstance is unique due to the issue of Minera Panama (First Quantum). Mulino's position on mining has been non-committal to a specific solution, even suggesting that he would promote the opening of the mine with the purpose of eventually closing it for good. Navarro, a distinguished member of the opposing PRD—he ran for President of the Republic under PRD in 2014 and is former mayor of Panama City—is openly against the contract and, in general, against open-pit mining. He was Director of Ancon, the most vocal environmental NGO in Panama. Perhaps his previous record could create a bridge between the pro and anti-mining groups to generate a minimum consensus about the mine's re-opening. Otherwise, his appointment seems somewhat controversial. Juan Moltó is the Minister-designated of Commerce (MICI), under which the future of the mining will be determined. The Directorate of Natural Resources, under MICI's umbrella, is responsible for approving any new ventures in the mining sector. Former MICI Minister, Federico Alfaro, was the public face defending the failed contract with Minera Panama during the Cortizo Administration. Moltó's experience in the public sector goes back to Ricardo Martinelli's term, when Moltó headed the National Police. An entrepreneur in the water production business and in the cigar retailing activity in the past years, Moltó fits the pattern of a private-sector-oriented Cabinet. His previous experience in the security system (Panama does not have ...

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