Bocas del Toro
Panama has declared a state of emergency in the north-western province of Bocas del Toro, the country’s primary banana-producing region, following escalating unrest over a controversial pension reform. The government announced that constitutional rights will be suspended for five days, granting police expanded powers, including arrest without a warrant and restrictions on movement.
The unrest began a month ago when the local banana workers’ union joined nationwide demonstrations opposing proposed pension cuts. Workers at a major Chiquita Brands plantation spearheaded the strike, which intensified after the company dismissed thousands of protesting employees. The firings led to widespread anger and further clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Masked protesters have since erected roadblocks, vandalized buildings, and looted shops across the region. Earlier this week, demonstrators damaged a Chiquita Brands facility and caused disruption at a local airport. Authorities say these events reflect a breakdown in public order.
“In the face of systematic violence and disruption, the state must act to restore peace,” said Juan Carlos Orillac, Panama’s Minister of the Presidency. He called the emergency measure essential to “rescue the province from radical elements.”
Protests first erupted in March across Panama, driven by fears that the pension reforms would severely impact future retirees. Bocas del Toro has become the focal point of resistance, given its strong union presence and economic dependence on banana exports.With tensions still high, the emergency declaration signals a critical turning point in the government’s response, as it seeks to contain the violence and restore order in one of its most economically vital regions.