Panama advances in the fight against corruption with a treaty with Switzerland and new projects.

The Chancellor of the Republic, Javier Martínez-Acha, presented a set of eight bills to the National Assembly on September 5, highlighting among them the Bilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance (TALM) in criminal matters between Panama and Switzerland. This treaty, dated March 3, 2023, is considered a significant step towards recovering nearly 22 million dollars that are frozen in Swiss accounts, allegedly related to bribes from the construction company Odebrecht. The negotiations that led to the signing of this treaty began in 2022, under the leadership of the Attorney General of the Nation, Javier Caraballo. This effort included visits to Switzerland to establish connections with the Federal Department of Justice and Police of the European country, underscoring the seriousness and commitment of the Panamanian government in the fight against corruption and asset recovery. Despite the relevance of the project, Martínez-Acha was cautious when responding to questions about the potential recovery of funds. “I can’t answer you; I don’t know if there are any, but I repeat, if there are, the Agreement should facilitate the forwarding,” the chancellor stated, suggesting that the treaty could open doors, although not guaranteeing immediate results. In his presentation, the chancellor emphasized that the treaty not only seeks the recovery of funds but also establishes a solid framework for judicial cooperation between both countries in criminal matters. This includes assistance in investigations and judicial processes, which could have a positive impact on the effectiveness of Panamanian authorities in addressing complex crimes, especially those linked to corruption. In addition to the TALM with Switzerland, Martínez-Acha presented seven other bills, reflecting a proactive approach by the government to strengthen international ties and improve cooperation in justice matters. Among these are agreements on mutual legal assistance and extradition with France, which are also essential in combating transnational crime. The extradition bill with France will allow Panama to request the surrender of individuals sought by justice, thus facilitating the process of arrest and delivery of those who are fugitives from the law. This measure is an indicator of Panama's commitment to the rule of law and international collaboration. Martínez-Acha also presented initiatives related to civil aviation, including protocols that amend the number of member states in certain councils of the International Civil Aviation Organization. These proposals will not only reaffirm Panama's position in the international arena but also promote the development of the aviation sector in the country. The presentation of an Air Services Agreement between Panama and Barbados, as well as a Framework Cooperation Project with the Dominican Republic, are also part of the chancellor's agenda. These initiatives seek to strengthen technical and cultural cooperation, promoting a conducive environment for investment and socioeconomic development. Lastly, the project establishing an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea indicates the Panamanian government's intention to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, a topic of growing importance on the global agenda. The set of proposals presented by Martínez-Acha in the National Assembly underscores a multifaceted approach by the Panamanian government in the fight against corruption, international cooperation, and sustainable development. While the recovery of frozen funds in Switzerland is an immediate goal, the proposed treaties and agreements also lay the groundwork for a more collaborative and effective future in the criminal and judicial sphere. The approval of these projects will be crucial to consolidating these efforts and strengthening trust in Panamanian institutions.