Panamanian Deputy Reveals Tensions with Union Leader Over Key Legislation

Panamanian Deputy Grace Hernandez revealed details of a tense meeting with union leader Genaro Lopez this past Sunday on TVN's "Radar" program. The meeting, which took place in the Legislative Assembly, involved bancada leaders and representatives of the Pueblo Unido por la Vida movement. During the meeting, Lopez voiced his strong opposition to a legislative project currently under consideration. "I want my law," Lopez reportedly stated. Hernandez, in her interview, defended the principles of democratic debate, emphasizing the importance of consensus and a thorough, article-by-article review process. She also expressed concern about the lack of active involvement by some deputies who supported proposals without participating in the formal legislative process. "I saw, heard, and read their proposals submitted by deputies, but deputies who didn't work on them," Hernandez questioned. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the government and labor unions in Panama.