Publications

CO2 compensation – climate protection instrument, fraudulent labelling or modern indulgence trade?

On the controversial role of CO2 offsetting and the importance of binding global standards to avoid greenwashing – with insights from Latin America

In order to combat the consequences of advancing climate change, all appropriate instruments should be used. In addition to urgently avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this also includes offsetting them in areas where damage limitation is (still) the only way to contribute to climate protection. However, internationally valid quality standards for offsetting projects must be defined and appropriately communicated to producers, consumers, and people in the implementing regions.

Elections in Panama: The new president is José Mulino

Realzando Metas party candidate wins with over 34 percent

On May 5, three million Panamanians were called upon to elect the next President and Vice-President, 71 deputies to the National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional - AN), 20 deputies to the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), 81 mayors, 701 representatives of the governing districts and 11 councils of Panama City, as well as their respective deputies, for the next five years. Eight candidates have been approved by the Tribunal Electoral (TE) to run for president and have been vying for voters' favor since February 3, 2024. In the end, José Raúl Mulino Quintero of the Realizando Metas party won 34.36 percent of the vote on May 5 and will take over the presidency of Panama on July 4 of this year.

Political panorama in Panama four months before the general elections

On 5 May 2024, general elections will be held in Panama every five years.

It is already clear that the population is anxiously and impatiently awaiting these elections, which will be very different from those held in previous years. Their uniqueness lies in the participation of two former presidents of Panama, who are competing for the presidency with six other candidates, regardless of the parties they belonged to during their previous terms in office.

A nation loses its patience

Controversial mining contract in Panama triggers mass protests across the country

In recent months, Panama has been involved in a controversial debate about a controversial mining contract with far-reaching implications. The contract, which was approved by the Panamanian Congress on October 20, grants Minería Panama, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals from Canada, the right to operate the largest open pit copper mine in Central America for a period of 20 years. This mine covers approximately 12,000 hectares in Donoso, Colón province. The agreement promises significant economic benefits for Panama and ensures that at least USD 375 million in license fees will be paid annually. President Laurentino Cortizo emphasized at the approval of the contract on 24 October: 'We have made the right decision, not the easiest one. Nevertheless, nationwide protests broke out, reflecting public dissatisfaction with both the agreement itself and current government policy.

Gender Gaps in the Global Value Chains of Latin America and the Caribbean

new and old challenges in an uncertain context

In recent decades, Global Value Chains (GVCs) have not only become widespread, but now account for more than two-thirds of international trade.

Panama wacht auf: Ungleichheit führt zu Massenprotesten

Was ist aus dem Land geworden, das als Beispiel für Wohlstand und Stabilität galt? Seit dem 6. Juli, dem Tag, an dem die längste und breiteste Mobilisierung kollektiver sozialer Straßenproteste und Blockaden der letzten 50 Jahre begann, scheint in Panama nichts mehr so zu sein, wie es einmal war.

Democracy today

Publication

Tribunal Electoral

Auf dem Weg ins Ungewisse

Migrationskrise an der Grenze von Kolumbien nach Panama

Etwa 15.000 Menschen warten in dem kleinen Ort Necoclí auf kolumbianischem Gebiet darauf, sich über die Grenze nach Panama aufmachen zu können, um von dort weiter in die Zielländer USA und Kanada zu gelangen. Die Situation auf beiden Seiten der Grenze hat sich in den vergangenen Wochen dramatisch zugespitzt. Nun sind die Außenminister mehrerer Länder aktiv geworden, um mittel- und langfristige Lösungen des Migrationsproblems zu finden.

Economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic

Enabling Latin America and the Caribbean to better harness the benefits of e-commerce and digital trade

Economic an International Trade Report

Legislative Quality

Héctor Pérez Bourbon

A study on the applicability of quality management standards, criteria and tools in the legislative function of a parliament