Former administrator Alemán Zubieta says constitutional framework protects Canal from ‘partisan politics’

Former Panama Canal administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta said the waterway’s constitutional framework was designed to keep it clear of partisan political interests and focused on Panama’s long-term national policy.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of Ilya Espino de Marotta as Canal administrator. The ceremony coincided with the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which began the process that ultimately led to the Canal’s transfer to Panama.

“

We Panamanians, all Panamanians, created a management model that protects us from politics, from partisan politics.

Alemán Zubieta said Panamanians had deliberately created an institutional management model to prevent partisan influence over the interoceanic route. “We Panamanians, all Panamanians, created a management model that protects us from politics, from partisan politics,” he said.

“

It is partisan politics, not state policy. The Canal is a very important element of state policy.

He drew a distinction between party politics and state policy, arguing that the Canal plays a fundamental role in the latter and therefore requires long-term thinking. “It is partisan politics, not state policy. The Canal is a very important element of state policy,” he said. He added that this protection was established through a special constitutional title created to shield the institution from what he called “bad partisan politics.”

The former administrator also expressed confidence in Espino de Marotta, highlighting that a woman now leads the Canal after several previous administrations. “I am sure she will do a great job for the benefit of Panama and the world,” he said.

“

I am sure she will do a great job for the benefit of Panama and the world.

Asked about cargo traffic and its possible effect on consumers, Alemán Zubieta described the issue as complex because outcomes depend on where shipments come from and where they are going. He said much of the cargo moves through the waterway within the corresponding timeframes, although the supplied report ends before he completes that explanation.

“

I think that is a much more complex issue because it depends on where the cargo comes from and where it is going.