The article centers on José Isabel Blandón, president of Panama's opposition Panameñista Party, who publicly called on his party's members of the National Assembly to reject an amnesty bill. This bill aims to grant political amnesty to individuals involved in high-profile corruption cases, potentially including former presidents Ricardo Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela.
Blandón's message, shared on X (formerly Twitter), strongly condemned the bill, stating that voting for it would equate to voting for impunity and reinforce the perception of corruption dominating politics. He explicitly urged his party's members to vote against the bill.
The controversial bill, introduced by Jairo Salazar of the ruling Revolutionary Democratic Party (PRD), has faced opposition from various political sectors and civil society. While initially rejected by the Assembly's Government Commission, chaired by Luis Eduardo Camacho (a supporter of Martinelli), Camacho's minority report could revive the bill. A simple majority in the full legislature could override the commission's decision.
Martinelli, convicted in the 'New Business' case, and Varela, facing trial in the Odebrecht case, are among those who could benefit from the amnesty. The debate highlights concerns about impunity and the political implications of shielding individuals from accountability in corruption cases.