Panama president warns of growing pressure on Latin American democracies

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino warned on Monday that Latin American democracies are under growing pressure, asserting that multilateralism is a fundamental principle for defending this political system. He delivered these remarks during the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, an event attended by his counterparts from Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras, along with officials from El Salvador and the United States.

According to an official statement, Mulino highlighted that multilateralism has repeatedly proven its value in consolidating peace processes, supporting democratic transitions, and establishing dispute resolution mechanisms that have prevented conflicts among nations. He stressed its particular importance for safeguarding democracy, stating that it must be felt in citizens' daily lives through access to quality education, opportunities for prosperity, and secure environments where institutions are responsive.

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The democracies of our region face increasing pressure, but we must recognize a fundamental truth: democracy cannot be limited to the periodic celebration of elections. It must be felt in the daily lives of our citizens, when a family has access to quality education, when a person can prosper, when they can walk safely through the streets, when institutions respond.

The presidents, foreign ministers, and delegates present at the commemorative meeting agreed that international cooperation, adherence to the rule of law, and democratic principles are crucial for advancing regional integration. In a symbolic gesture, Brazil is expected to donate the original acts of the Amphictyonic Congress, previously held in its possession, to Panama through an agreement.

Panama is marking 200 years since the Amphictyonic Congress, an assembly convened by Simón Bolívar in 1826 with the aim of unifying newly independent American states into a league. This congress is considered the genesis of multilateralism and a precursor to the Organization of American States (OAS). The OAS will also hold its 56th General Assembly session in Panama City, focusing on multilateralism and the defense of democracy, though the attending presidents will not participate in the OAS assembly itself.

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Multilateralism has proven its value time and again by allowing us to consolidate peace processes, accompany democratic transitions, and build dispute resolution mechanisms that have avoided conflicts between brothers.