Central America
Saúl Méndez, Panama’s top construction union chief, takes refuge amid political turmoil
The leader of Panama’s largest construction union, Saúl Méndez, has taken refuge in the Bolivian Embassy amid an indefinite strike led by the union and investigations into money laundering involving at least one of its leaders.
Two sources told EFE on Wednesday that Méndez, general secretary of the National Union of Workers in the Construction Industry and Similar Trades (Suntracs), is currently a refugee at the Bolivian diplomatic mission.
According to available official information, Méndez is not under indictment in any judicial case in Panama.
Suntracs is leading, along with the leftist public sector teachers’ union, an indefinite strike and street protests that began a month ago in opposition to a social security reform already in effect, as well as other initiatives by President José Raúl Mulino’s government. Mulino has accused the construction union of being a “mafia” and pursuing a “hidden agenda” aimed at destabilizing the country.
Strikes in public education and construction have been irregular, while some Suntracs members have led street protests, some violent, including stone-throwing and clashes with police, resulting in injuries and arrests.
On Tuesday, the Panamanian Autonomous Cooperative Institute (Ipacoop) ordered the cancellation of the legal status of the Suntracs Multiple Services Cooperative, R.L., citing at least “14 findings” evidencing alleged failures to comply with anti-money laundering controls or preventive measures.
On May 16, a court ordered the preventive detention of Suntracs leader Jaime Caballero on suspicion of money laundering.
“They are trying to suffocate us because they cannot control us, nor do we kneel. They want to erase what we represent—dignity, organization, and struggle. But they are mistaken. SUNTRACS does not disappear. SUNTRACS resists,” the union wrote on its social media on Wednesday, without yet referring to Méndez’s asylum.
Central America
Laura Fernández Says She Will ‘Never’ Allow Authoritarianism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s president-elect, right-wing leader Laura Fernández, said she will “never” allow authoritarianism under her government, in her first speech after winning Sunday’s presidential election.
Fernández, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, has been accused by her opponents of seeking to steer the country toward authoritarian rule through her hardline proposals against drug trafficking and plans to reform state institutions.
“I, as the new president of the Republic, will never allow authoritarianism or arbitrariness—things that no one wants in Costa Rica,” Fernández said to cheers from her supporters gathered at a hotel in the capital.
The 39-year-old political scientist criticized her rivals for centering their campaign on what she described as a narrative of “authoritarianism and dictatorship.”
“They tried to scare voters, but the electorate did not fall into the trap,” she said.
Without offering details, Fernández acknowledged that her administration will seek to change the country’s “political rules of the game,” in what she described as a necessary step for Costa Rica, one of Latin America’s most stable democracies.
Central America
Costa Rica Goes to the Polls as Voters Choose Continuity or Change
Costa Ricans head to the polls today to elect the president of the republic and 57 members of the Legislative Assembly for the 2026–2030 term. Voters must choose between continuing the political project of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves by supporting the ruling right-wing candidate Laura Fernández, or opting for a change in direction proposed by the opposition.
Fernández, representing the Pueblo Soberano Party (PPS), leads opinion polls with close to 40% of voting intention, bolstered by the outgoing president’s approval rating, which exceeds 50%. Chaves is barred from seeking immediate re-election under Costa Rican law.
Trailing far behind is Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (PLN), with less than 10% support. He is followed by Claudia Dobles of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (CAC), Fabricio Alvarado of New Republic (NR), and Ariel Robles of the Broad Front (FA), each polling between 3% and 5%. Undecided voters, who account for more than 30% of the electorate, could determine the outcome of the presidential race or force a runoff.
In a statement, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and secure elections. “As has been the case for more than 76 years of democratic life in our country, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal guarantees all Costa Ricans that the national elections to be held this Sunday, February 1, will meet the highest standards of security and absolute transparency, allowing us to continue enjoying electoral processes in peace and freedom,” the institution said.
Authorities reported that 53,251 party observers will take part in the electoral process. Of these, 12,472 belong to the Social Christian Unity Party, 11,524 to Pueblo Soberano, 10,451 to the PLN, and 4,141 to the Citizen Agenda Coalition, among others. In addition, six political parties have sworn in 7,520 members of polling station boardsdeployed nationwide.
Central America
U.S. and Guatemala Sign Trade Deal Granting Zero Tariffs to Most Exports
The United States signed a reciprocal trade agreement with Guatemala on Friday, under which 70.4% of Guatemalan exports will enter the U.S. market tariff-free.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating that it creates a framework of cooperation, certainty, and new opportunities for producers, workers, and entrepreneurs in the country. His remarks were shared in a video published on his official social media channels.
In 2025, 30.3% of Guatemala’s total exports were destined for the United States, amounting to approximately $4.3 billion. As a result, the agreement is expected to directly benefit key sectors of the Guatemalan economy, including agribusiness, manufacturing, and the textile industry.
“Today we have taken another step toward consolidating a country that, when it moves forward united, generates confidence, attracts investment, and creates real development opportunities for all its people,” Arévalo added.
The agreement with Guatemala follows a similar trade deal signed by the United States with El Salvador on Thursday, which includes the elimination of a 10% tariff on Salvadoran imports.
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