Budget committee to recommend changes to Panama’s 2027 state budget proposal

Panama’s National Assembly Budget Committee will recommend adjustments to the proposed 2027 state budget after completing the first three weeks of hearings on Bill 644.

Committee chairman Eduardo Vásquez said 46 budget hearings have taken place so far. Participants included the Electoral Tribunal, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Ministry of Education and Pandeportes. Key institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Health, have yet to appear.

Vásquez said he was especially concerned about the amount allocated to health. He said the committee wanted to review the proposal with a focus on results and public investment. He also criticized institutions where operating costs exceed funds assigned to investment, citing education as an example and calling for a better balance to secure concrete results.

Health and infrastructure will be among the committee’s main priorities, alongside education and water. Vásquez said greater public investment could stimulate economic activity and help create jobs.

The hearing timetable remains in place, but the review will continue for at least three additional weeks. Once that stage ends, the committee must submit its recommendations on the General State Budget for the next fiscal year.