The article centers on a controversial amnesty bill (Project 235) in Panama's National Assembly, seeking to pardon those involved in the Blue Apple, New Business, and Odebrecht corruption cases. Former President Ricardo Martinelli publicly supported the bill. Opposition is strong, with deputies from various parties expressing their discontent.
A minority report supporting the bill requires a vote to progress, but this vote has been delayed. Key figures like Deputy Betserai Richards have openly opposed the amnesty, citing concerns about rewarding corruption. Even within the PRD party, the bill's sponsor's colleagues have voiced opposition.
The Panameñista party's president, José Isabel Blandón, urged his party members to reject the bill, framing it as supporting impunity. The positions of other parties, including Cambio Democrático (CD), remain less clear, with some members affiliated with Martinelli while others' stances are uncertain. There's a lack of clarity on how several deputies will vote, leading to uncertainty about the bill's fate.
The article highlights the deep divisions within Panama's political landscape concerning the amnesty, emphasizing concerns regarding corruption and impunity. The bill's future hinges on the unresolved vote on the minority report.