Hoy por hoy: Una empresa municipal sin contrapesos del 23 de abril de 2025 | La Prensa Panamá

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Concerns over New Panama City Municipal Company

Mayor Mayer Mizrachi secured approval for a new municipal company with independent financial and administrative powers, ostensibly for technological modernization. However, the swift approval without prior committee discussion has raised serious questions.

Lack of Oversight and Transparency

While the need for digitalization is acknowledged, the rushed process and lack of controls are criticized. The new company will operate outside traditional municipal structures, raising concerns about:

  • Who will supervise its operations?
  • How will conflicts of interest be prevented?

The article suggests the model resembles clientelism, where public resources are managed like a private business without the transparency or state oversight expected.

Call for Greater Accountability

The author argues that digitalization shouldn't be used to weaken accountability. Strengthening existing structures is prioritized over creating parallel ones. The absence of clear controls risks turning innovation into opacity. The piece concludes by advocating for more debate and less imposition in municipal democracy.

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