They agree to reduce food prices in the face of protests

Teachers’ and union leaders, and the government of Panama reached a consensus to reduce and control the price of more than 70 products of the basic food basket, in a dialogue table that tries to put an end to the biggest protests in years generated by the high cost of living.

However, the social groups and the government have not been able to agree on other points that have to do with regulations for the profit cap of the companies in the marketing chain and another related to state price regulation bodies.

These points also figure in the issue of the basic food basket, which is the first of eight priority issues to be discussed in the dialogue that began last week.

What has been agreed until this Monday at the dialogue table implies a 30% decrease in the cost of the basic basket, a saving of 80 dollars, the Panamanian Presidency reported in a statement.

The consensus establishes a price control in 72 products of the expanded basket, which also includes some items of personal hygiene. Among the products whose price would be regulated are chicken, beef, eggs, vegetables, fruits, milk and cereals, among others.

“The people are putting order, we are an instrument to vindicate what the government is forced to do due to pressure from the people,” said Saúl Méndez, the leader of the powerful construction industry union and representative of the Alianza Pueblo Unidos por la Vida, one of the three organizations that negotiate with the government.

Other demands of social organizations are the reduction and freezing of fuel prices, addressing issues of transparency in public administration and corruption.

The government of President Laurentino Cortizo has already put into effect the freezing of gasoline for all citizens at a price ceiling of $3.25 a gallon, but the measure has not calmed the discontent in the streets and the roadblocks.

Business and commercial organizations have expressed their rejection of the closure of the highways, which has caused millions in losses to the sector, and they demand to participate at the negotiating table.

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