PROTESTS continued in Panama today as anger grows over rising inflation which is blamed on the government of President Laurentino Cortizo. 

Fuel prices have almost doubled in the Central American country with a teachers’ strike last week triggering nationwide protests that have seen thousands take to the streets. 

In a televised speech on Monday Mr Cortizo tried to blame the economic crisis on problems related to the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.  

But critics dismissed his claims, blaming government corruption and mismanagement.

As well as reducing petrol prices for private vehicles, he said that his Cabinet would cap the price of 10 basic products, without specifying which ones.

But his promise to extend a freeze on petrol prices to the general public rather than just the public transport system is seen as inadequate. 

Negotiations on Tuesday failed to break the deadlock.

“The price of gasoline is overwhelming those of us who have to travel to teach classes in our schools,” teacher Ilbis Rujano said. 

“Besides that, the cost of food rose, which is a hit on the poorest families who have to send their children to school This can’t be tolerated,” she said. 

Protesters say that the cost of basic goods has rocketed and the demonstrations have been joined by impoverished indigenous groups from western Panama.

Construction workers started a 24-hour general strike yesterday, bringing large parts of the country to a halt as ports and highways were blocked. 

Panama has traditionally maintained a stable economy and uses the US dollar as its currency. Inflation has risen to 4 per cent, according to official statistics, lower than others in the region.