Panamanian political leaders and academics consider the statements by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding control of the Panama Canal as an attack on the dignity of the Central American country.
The recent statements by the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, on the possibility of regaining control of the Panama Canal have caused strong indignation among Panamanians, who firmly defend their sovereignty and national pride.
The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, responded forcefully, stating: “Every square meter of the Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama and will remain ours.”
This position has been supported by political leaders and academics, who consider Trump's words an attack on the dignity and sovereignty of Panama.
“The Panama Canal is an inalienable symbol of our sovereignty and national unity,” he told the Voice of America analyst José Stoute, who also described Trump's statements as a serious threat.
The rector of the University of Panama, Eduardo Flores, considered on his social networks that Trump's statements are “unfortunate, antihistorical and disrespectful.”
In the streets, Panamanians have reacted with repudiation, remembering that the Canal, successfully managed by Panama since its transfer in 1999 following the Torrijos-Carter treaties, is not under negotiation.
“Trump just said that, and I was filled with fury. After everything we have gone through as Panamanians to recover our Canal and he wants us to give it back to him,” he told the VOA José Madrid, a 25-year-old young man, resident of the San Miguelito district, one of the most populous areas of the province of Panama, was visibly upset.
On Sunday, President Mulino reiterated that “the Canal and its adjacent area are the inalienable heritage of Panama.” He added that neither the United States, nor China, nor any other power has direct or indirect control over this interoceanic waterway.
“The Canal will remain in Panamanian hands, guaranteeing its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit of vessels from all nations, as established by our Constitution and the Neutrality Treaty,” Mulino pointed out.
Trump criticized the tariffs imposed by Panama for the use of the Canal, calling them “ridiculous” and accusing the country of “swindling” the United States.
“The rates are established considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs and maintenance and modernization needs,” responded Mulino, defending the transparent and professional process with which they are managed.
Meanwhile, former president Ricardo Martinelli, sentenced to 10 years for money laundering and granted asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy, expressed his support for Mulino on his social networks. He stressed that the Canal is an emblem of sovereignty and Panama's commitment to peace and equality among nations.
Canal Sovereignty
Trump's statements have reignited debates about the history and value of the Canal to national identity.
Historian Omar Jaén Suárez, who participated in the negotiations for the reversal of the Canal, highlighted that the treaties signed with the United States established the dissolution of the Canal Zone and recognized full Panamanian sovereignty over this sea route.
“I have read President Trump's astonishing statement in astonishment and I am truly surprised that he treats one of the United States' closest allies and friends in this way. I do not know his intention, but he claims historical and legal falsehoods. The United States does not have the power to intervene in Panama without the consent of the Panamanian government,” said Jaén Suárez.
In 2016, Panama successfully completed the expansion of the Canal, which has boosted global economic growth and strengthened its role as one of the main routes for global maritime trade.
Today, the Canal represents 3.1% of Panama's Gross Domestic Product and is a fundamental pillar for the country's economic development.