Lucy Molinar resigns as Panama Education Minister

Lucy Molinar has resigned as Panama’s Minister of Education (Meduca). Her departure follows significant controversy regarding a multimillion-dollar procurement process for laptops intended for students and teachers. The investigation focuses on how the bidding process narrowed from 49 interested parties to a single provider, IS Group.

Panamanian legislators have criticized Molinar’s management, citing low budget execution, school infrastructure deterioration, and unresolved issues regarding teacher appointments. While Meduca highlighted her achievements, including the removal of hundreds of educators using falsified credentials, opposition deputies demand accountability for the laptop contract and pending educational needs.

The Comptroller General has announced an audit of the procurement process to ensure transparency and legal compliance. Simultaneously, the Public Ministry has opened an investigation into the contract following a request from Molinar herself, who stated she sought to clarify the “noise” surrounding the deal. The Executive Branch is expected to name a successor in the coming days.