Panama Ministry of Public Security warns of 2027 budget cuts

Frank Alexis Abrego, head of Panama's Ministry of Public Security (Minseg), has warned that significant budget reductions for the 2027 fiscal year will impact the operational capacity and investments of security forces.

While Minseg requested approximately B/. 1,733 million, the Ministry of Economy and Finance recommended an allocation of B/. 1,101.5 million. This represents a 36.4% decrease from the requested amount, totaling a gap of B/. 631.4 million.

Minister Abrego stated that the discrepancy forces the ministry to establish strict priorities, determining which needs can be met immediately and which must be postponed. The proposed budget includes B/. 887.7 million for operations, B/. 109.2 million for retirement programs, B/. 92.6 million for investments, and B/. 12 million for the Prehospital Emergency Management System (SUME). Notably, the item for materials and supplies was left without a budget allocation.