After the hopes aroused by an agreement between some of the trade unions, which denounce the high cost of living, and the government, the demonstrations and the roadblocks worsened on Wednesday July 20 in Panama. After more than two weeks of blockages, the capital Panama City is beginning to suffer from shortages.
Fruits and vegetables have been missing from stalls for days, many markets have closed for lack of supply. Because the transport of goods and fuel has been blocked for more than two weeks now by roadblocks, in particular along the Pan-American highway, which crosses Panama and connects the country to its neighbors in Central America. In all, agribusiness has already lost $500 million, according to industry professionals.
To supply the capital and other major cities, a convoy of 200 food trucks left this Wednesday from the breadbasket of the country, the province of Chiriqui, to the west. But this humanitarian caravan was forced to stop, intercepted by a small group of armed men. In Panama City, too, the police report vandalized stores, obstacles placed on the roads by individuals who hold up vehicles.
As the situation deteriorates, the organizations behind the movement agreed on a common agenda on Wednesday. Their priority: to demand a freeze on the prices of basic products, fuel, medicines and measures against corruption. So far, the government has not said if he again agreed to sit down at the negotiating table.