“We hope that the government comes with concrete answers to the fundamental needs of the population,” he added.
The Catholic Church, which acts as a mediator, reported on Wednesday that the Panamanian government had confirmed its presence for this Thursday at the negotiating table that will take place in Penonomé, 150 kilometers southwest of Panama City.
What do the protesters demand?
The rise in prices, also due to the effects on global production chains of the war in Ukraine, triggered the mobilizations at the beginning of July.
The organizations ask for a reduction and freezing of the prices of the basic basket, fuel, energy, medicines, the investment of 6% of the GDP in public education and addressing the future of the state health system.
They also demand to take measures against corruption, amid strong citizen criticism for the salaries of high-ranking officials and the waste of public resources.
To calm things down, President Laurentino Cortizo initially lowered the price of a gallon of gasoline (3.78 liters) from $5.20 to $3.95, but the measure was rejected.
Then a reduction was offered to 3.25 dollars, which is currently in force, but the representatives of the protesters will now join the dialogue to demand more measures from the government to lower the cost of living.