The Panamanian National Assembly is attempting to censure Foreign Minister Javier MartÃnez Acha, marking only the second such attempt in the country's recent history. The first was against the Minister of Education in 1993, which failed to garner enough votes. This current attempt stems from a memorandum of understanding with the US Department of Defense which is seen by some as compromising Panamanian sovereignty and the neutrality of the Panama Canal.
The resolution to censure Minister MartÃnez Acha was introduced by 39 deputies, citing his role in signing the memorandum as a grave error harming national interests. The memorandum allows for US military personnel and contractors to utilize Panamanian territory and facilities, potentially undermining sovereignty and the Canal's neutrality. Additionally, the resolution criticizes the minister's public statements, deeming them defiant and rude. The proposal needs two-thirds of the votes of the deputies present in the plenary session to pass.
This political action occurs within the context of rising diplomatic tension between Panama and the United States. The recent resignation of the vice-chancellor, Carlos Ruiz Hernández, further underscores the depth of these issues. His resignation letter implied a breach of trust regarding an agreement he reached with the US Secretary of Defense concerning the sovereignty of the Canal. Past attempts to censure ministers, like that against Ramón Arosemena in 2016, have failed due to insufficient support.