The President of Panama speaks out on security reforms

But he doesn't say much! The new security changes going on in Panama have many groups concerned about the direction the country is going. I have reported on some incidents here in Boquete that have caused many of us to wonder about whether the country is welcoming foreigners to live here. The President has requested special powers be given to him in order that he can make swift changes to security and immigration without the need for legislative approval. According to this article, his Cabinet" is analyzing the reforms and he will explain how they will be implemented at a later date. In most cases heads of state make decrees like this because they don't want debate and public opinion to affect the outcome, which usually is not a good thing in my experience.

President Torrijos defended the security reforms he authorized with the “special powers” granted him recently.

The president also said he changed the law that stating that the Policía Nacional must be directed by a civilian.

CORTESÍA/Presidencia de la República

special powers: President Torrijos discussed the matter of appointing a member of the military to direct the Policía Nacional.1060215

President Martín Torrijos came out in defense of the security reforms approved by way of the “special powers” recently granted him by the Asamblea Nacional. Torrijos did not give details of the reforms, but said that the public would be consulted after his Cabinet finishes its analysis.

For the first time since his election campaign, the President spoke of the matter of appointing a member of the military to direct the Policía Nacional (PN), a topic included in the special powers granted by the Asamblea Nacional for legislating by decree.

Torrijos explained that future presidents will not be obligated to nominate a uniformed military officer to head the PN, but that his reforms will give his successors that option, which is currently prohibited by law.

Once the debate over his security reform come to an end, Torrijos said he will meet with concerned groups and explain how his administration intends to address public safety needs.

The President will also use his special powers to create a Servicio Nacional Aeronaval and establish the Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, which is currently under the aegis of the Policía Nacional.