Panamanian university students, faculty, and workers march to defend university autonomy and national sovereignty, rejecting President Mulino’s attacks and U.S. interference. The mobilization, led by Rector Eduardo Flores Castro, underscores growing resistance to neoliberal and imperialist pressures in Panama.

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Hundreds of students and faculty from the University of Panama (UP) took to the streets this Tuesday, demanding respect for university autonomy and the nation’s sovereignty. The mobilization comes in direct response to President José Raúl Mulino’s disparaging remarks about the university and the recent wave of police repression targeting student activists.

President Mulino’s characterization of the UP as “more of a den than a center of higher education” has sparked outrage among the academic community. His statements, coupled with the violent arrest of students by riot police, are widely seen as part of a broader authoritarian strategy to intimidate and silence dissent. According to Rector Eduardo Flores Castro, the university remains a “guardian of those without a voice,” defending the right to protest and the historic role of the UP in Panama’s democratic struggles.

Rejecting U.S. Interference

The protests also target recent demands from the United States, including calls for free transit of warships and the cancellation of port contracts with Chinese companies. These demands, highlighted after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s February 2025 visit, are viewed as a direct violation of Panamanian sovereignty and a continuation of imperialist interference in the country’s affairs.

Reports from left-wing organizations and independent media confirm that police repression against university students has intensified, with excessive force used during recent demonstrations. The arrest of a student distributing flyers,an activity coordinated with university authorities, demonstrates the government’s disregard for civil liberties and the autonomy of academic institutions. The student remained in custody until the early hours of the morning and was subjected to a court hearing, raising concerns about due process and the criminalization of protest.

Universidad de Panamá realiza marcha pacífica exigiendo respeto a la soberanía nacional y a la autonomía universitaria @JoseRaulMulino1 @policiadepanama pic.twitter.com/AfNAPKF0GW

— Universidad dePanamá (@UNIVERSIDAD_PMA) May 6, 2025

The text reads:University of Panama holds peaceful march demanding respect for national sovereignty and university autonomy @JoseRaulMulino1 @policiadepanama

The mobilization at the UP is part of a broader wave of resistance against the Mulino government’s neoliberal policies and its alignment with U.S. interests. Students, teachers, laborers, healthcare workers, and environmentalists have united to oppose the U.S. troop agreement, the reopening of foreign-owned mines, and recent attacks on social security. As Saúl Méndez of the powerful construction workers’ union SUNTRACS stated, “The people are joining the fight in a united effort” to defend national interests.

Calls for Dialogue and Peaceful Solutions

Despite the repression, university leaders have reiterated their commitment to peace and dialogue. The UP has internal mechanisms to address acts of vandalism without resorting to external violence, and Rector Flores has invited President Mulino to engage in dialogue to understand the transformative role of the university in Panamanian society. Student advocates have also condemned the manipulation of social media videos aimed at discrediting the protest movement, emphasizing the need for truthful reporting and respect for human rights.

The current mobilization reflects a deep-rooted struggle for democracy and social justice in Panama. As left-wing sources emphasize, the protests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader movement against elite domination, neoliberal exploitation, and foreign intervention. While mainstream media and the government attempt to delegitimize the movement, the growing participation of youth and workers signals a renewed hope for genuine democracy and national self-determination in Panama.

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