Thanks. As a resident of Western Panama, the situation for normal residents had become criminal. Most of the gas stations were closed and there was no propane gas to buy (which is how many fuel large appliances like ovens). Stores and restaurants were closing. Other stores had reduced supplies because new items were not coming in.
Veteran watchers of Panama say protests are normal and usually they are handled within a few weeks and everyone settles down. I’m hoping everything returns to normal in a week.
Oops. situation had become critical, not criminal.
I just caught an updated report from Telemetro and the protesters are again blocking the Panamerican Highway at the Santiago bridge this evening.
Indigenous groups chipping with the protest tomorrow as well.
aside from the tax component of gas, the government cannot really do much about the cost of energy. I don’t see how the economy functions with 6$/gallon gas, and the related price impact on associated products (food, propane, etc).
traditionally the protests have either been about issues within the government’s nominal control or about external issues intended to focus popular attention and discontent away (i.e. the CZ, SOUTHCOM under its various names, etc)