Suntracs celebrates the annulment of the account closure and denounces political persecution.

In a recent press conference, the lawyer for the National Single Union of Workers in the Construction Industry and Similar (Suntracs), Antonio Vargas, announced a significant milestone in the organization's struggle following the annulment of the complaints that led to the closure of 18 bank accounts held by the entity at the state-owned Caja de Ahorros. These actions, which were made public in November of last year, were deemed by Vargas as a clear example of political persecution by the government, as well as by the business and banking systems in the country. Vargas emphasized that the closure of the accounts was arbitrary and that no details were provided regarding the complaints that prompted such a decision, creating uncertainty about the transparency in handling these situations. In his account, the lawyer described the context of repression under which Suntracs operated, a union that has been key in popular protests against open-pit metallic mining that took place at the end of 2023. The lawyer also announced that the organization is preparing to sue those it considers responsible for this campaign of intimidation, seeking not only justice but also compensation for the damages suffered over a period that has now exceeded eight months. This decision marks a turning point in their legal strategy, presenting a strong response to what they label as unjustified attacks. When questioned about the media coverage the case received, Vargas revealed that legal actions against the newspaper La Estrella de Panamá are also being considered, as it had published misleading information linking Suntracs to alleged terrorist ties. Such unfounded accusations reinforce the perception of an adverse environment for social and labor organizations in Panama. The General Secretary of Suntracs, Saúl Méndez, was equally firm in his criticism, pointing to figures from the outgoing government, such as former President Laurentino Cortizo and former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, as responsible for acts he described as "criminal." Under his leadership, the union has maintained a strong stance in the face of adversity, denouncing corruption within the Panamanian banking system, which he attributed to the legitimization of capital from serious crimes such as money laundering and drug trafficking. Méndez highlighted notable cases of corruption in the country, such as Odebrecht and Blue Apple, pointing out that despite the scandals and convictions, many of those involved continue to operate with total impunity within the financial system. This context fuels the frustration of workers, who see injustices perpetuated while their rights are systematically attacked. Despite the obstacles, the union has sought solutions for the reactivation of its accounts at the National Bank; however, according to Méndez, the imposed conditions are unacceptable. This situation raises questions about the current government's willingness to resolve conflicts affecting vulnerable sectors of society. In this context, the former presidential candidate of 2019 has expressed his intention to send a note to the current president, José Raúl Mulino, outlining the complexity of the problem and demanding concrete solutions. Direct communication with the Executive represents a strategy that could open new avenues to address the existing tensions between the union and government institutions. Méndez concluded his remarks by reaffirming Suntracs' commitment to the fight for social justice, promising that they will not be subdued. Unity and discipline are pillars of the union's resistance, which stands as a bastion in defense of workers' causes. "We vow to triumph alongside the people... The struggle continues!" he exclaimed fervently, encapsulating the combative spirit of a collective that has known how to resist adversity. Thus, the situation of the union is not merely a matter of bank accounts but a reflection of the political and social climate in Panama, where struggles for fundamental rights intertwine with resistance against a system that, according to its leaders, is deeply corrupt and rife with injustices. The focus is now on how events will unfold and what responses the authorities will offer to the demands of a sector that has made it clear that its struggle is far from over.