The National Assembly of Panama approved in first debate the proposals for changes to the Magna Carta, which include the titles from 5th to 7th referring to the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Powers.
According to the deputies, the proposal that was approved on Oct. 23 responds to the assessment of the National Concertation table that comprised more than 20 groups, informed the Assembly.
Businessmen in Panama are optimistic with the proposal of constitutional reforms that are the result of the consensus of different sectors, but are concerned that that inopportune changes to the purposes of expanding and modernizing the institutionality could be made.
The Assembly discusses changes to the country's Constitution, which refer mainly to issues related to the Panamanian State, nationality and foreigners, fundamental and social rights, and political rights, among others.
For Guatemalan businessmen, in order to have solid institutions in the country, aspects of the electoral system, civil service, justice sector and public expenditure must be modernized, strengthened and regulated.
On October 10, the National Meeting of Businessmen for Development (ENADE 2019) was held, which dealt with the theme "From a Liquid State to a Solid State."
For Moody's, the withdrawal of the International Commission against Impunity weakens efforts to improve the rule of law in a country with high levels of corruption.
For Moody's, President Morales' decision to end the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) is a setback for the country because corruption is still widespread and institutions are still fragile.
With the resignation of Pérez Molina and Alejandro Maldonado sworn in as president, the institutional crisis should moderate in its intensity.
From a statement by AmCham Guatemala:
After several months of political uncertainty in Guatemala it has been demonstrated that nobody is above the law and that the country's institutions are able to perform their job.
The country that once had the best institutions in Central America is now hiring an agency of the UN created to solve problems in countries lacking those institutions.
EDITORIAL
With full confidence, senior officials responsible for public infrastructure projects have justified the award of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), indicating that through this measure they will be able to sidestep the control exercised by the Comptroller General of the Republic over the award and performance of government contracts.
If Central America does not strengthen the institutions that ensure a stable legal framework and full respect for contracts, foreign investment will not come and national investment will go to other countries, no matter how many incentives and tax exemptions are offered.
EDITORIAL
The frequent displays of discontent for the Salvadoran Executive Branch in respect to rulings issued by the Constitutional Court and the inaction of the Panamanian government over blockades by a group of people are holding not only over the hydroelectric project Barro Blanco, but also the main access roads, are appalling signals sent from the region to the world, casting doubt on those companies who consider the region to be a potential investment destination.
The Otto Perez Molina administration appears to be disintegrating in time with the successive dismantling of networks of entrenched corruption at the highest level, jeopardizing the country's basic institutions.
EDITORIAL
There are very few occasions when political parties with different ideologies and civil groups with dissimilar origins in Latin America have teamed up to denounce the same cause, as is currently happening in Guatemala.
Although Central American countries have big problems that impair their image abroad, it is sometimes the small episodes that stand out as unacceptable when viewed from abroad by modern society.
EDITORIAL
Many politicians would have the people they lead believe that the main function of the state is welfarism, when the road to prosperity and social justice begins with the proper functioning of the judiciary and will of the state to enforce the law. If the State complies properly with these primary functions, development is protected from the fickleness of any bad leaders, and formation of a culture of justice and respect for the rules, which is essential to human progress, is assured.
Growing institutional weakness in several countries of the isthmus brings to the forefront the responsibility of the business sector to keep the economy of this region moving forward.
EDITORIAL
Currently, the governments of several Central American countries are showing signs of weaknesses which - to different degrees- point to a sharp decline in institutional quality.
Employers in the region are complaining about a lack of long-term development policies, and are asking for Government transparency, effectiveness and legal certainty, so that they can continue investing in the region.
During a meeting between businessmen and government called 'Expanding opportunities: promoting the private sector and job creation', entrepreneurs from different sectors shared their concerns and views on the investment climate in the region.
With the exception of the left wing party, most of the presidential candidates propose maintaining or strengthening the insurance market.
Strengthening, maintaining the legislation as it is and enhancing control over the market are the proposals of the candidates of the parties Unidad Social Cristina, Liberación Nacional and Movimiento Libertario, respectively .
If the Honduran institutions do not recover from the recent elections, the country and the entire region could be seriously jeopardized.
And the near future of the country will depend in part on how differences over the election results are resolved.
An editorial in Nacion.com reports: "Against a background of institutional weakness, constant expansion of drug trafficking, petty corruption, gangs, violent crime and a rate of 86 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, the largest in the world, Honduras presidential election was held on 24 November."
The Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development, Fusades, has presented a report entitled "Legal and Institutional Situation" for the second half of 2011.
The Department of Legal Studies, DEL, this morning released the Report of Legal and Institutional Situation of the second half of 2011, by which the legal and institutional activity in the country is systematically tracked.
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