Rodrigo Lara Restrepo Appointed Panama's Interior Minister Amid Anti‑Corruption Push

Rodrigo Lara Restrepo, a lawyer and veteran legislator, has been named Minister of the Interior in Panama under President Abelardo de la Espriella. Lara Restrepo previously served as a representative, president of the Chamber of Representatives, and senator, and was the 2022 vice‑presidential candidate alongside Federico Gutiérrez for the Cambio Radical coalition.

His appointment is highlighted as a move to strengthen anti‑corruption efforts, with the new minister expected to oversee relations with governors and mayors, manage legislative coalitions, and increase transparency of meetings and agreements. Lara Restrepo holds a law degree from Universidad del Externado and has studied in France, positioning him as a professional politician within a government that campaigned on curbing traditional political practices.