Mulino attributed the closure to widespread public dissatisfaction with former President Laurentino Cortizo’s administration.
“The mine paid the price for accumulated national discontent, under a government with only 25% popularity and overwhelming public rejection,” stated Mulino, who took office in July, according to BNamericas. “They couldn’t manage such a critical issue, let alone in the manner they attempted.”
The decision to invalidate the mine’s permit followed mounting protests. Critics accused the Cortizo government of failing to address long standing legal and environmental concerns tied to the project, which accounted for nearly 5% of Panama’s GDP.
Mulino, now tasked with resolving the fallout, has vowed to take a more transparent approach, promising a comprehensive audit of the mine involving international experts. “This is a government with credibility and national acceptance,”…
