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NPR Online NewsDec 01, 2021
Panama Faces Shortages As Protests Enter 3rd Week
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via Bloomberg]
The Facts
Panama has entered its third week of protests and road blockades, including a blockage of the Pan-American Highway, leading to shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
On Thurs., talks between groups of protesters and Panama's government were expected to take place in Penonome, in the Coclé province.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These protests are part of a healthy democracy and the Cortizo admin has stressed the importance of a candid dialogue to address demands. However, some ill-intentioned politicians have infiltrated social movements to push their agenda even if it harms the most vulnerable populations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Cortizo admin is the one responsible for carrying out a hypocritical "double agenda" in this crisis. While officials open negotiations with protesters who are seeking to find solutions through dialogue, other security forces keep ruthlessly cracking down mass demonstrations.
