Panama university law faculty demands rector's resignation

The Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Panama's Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) has declared "a historic moment" by passing a resolution demanding the resignation of Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonaga and five vice-rectors. The faculty overwhelmingly rejected the University Governing Council's May 27, 2026 decision to deny the rector's submitted resignation, asserting the council exceeded its legal authority.

Citing the need to ensure academic, financial, and emotional stability, the faculty resolution calls for the rector's resignation to be accepted and the five vice-rectors to be removed from their posts. "The departure of the current authorities must be accompanied by an administrative and financial restructuring of the university, with a view to calling elections within a maximum of three months to democratically elect new authorities," stated Víctor Amílcar Fuentes, a law professor at Unachi.

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The departure of the current authorities must be accompanied by an administrative and financial restructuring of the university, with a view to calling elections within a maximum of three months to democratically elect new authorities.

Faculty members described the resolution as a democratic decision reflecting a majority that has remained silent amid the institutional crisis. They emphasized that despite the current administration's issues, Unachi possesses competent faculty, and the crisis stems from a minority group not representative of the university community. The faculty also warned that dialogue with current authorities is impossible due to mismanagement allegations, and any negotiations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance must involve a renewed leadership team. The resolution, issued May 29, 2026, will be sent to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

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A historic moment