After the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama and other unions requested austerity and cost containment from the three State bodies, the government of the Republic of Panama announced, through cabinet resolution number 79 of July 12 of 2022, austerity measures that will be implemented from that date.
According to the document; In the first instance, the institutions must start with a 10% reduction process of the state payroll, they will also start a voluntary retirement program for public servants; In addition, any salary increase within the public sector not contemplated in the law is suspended.
The allocation of cell phones in all government entities should be restricted, the prohibition of travel to attend congresses, internships and invitations, except in the case of the formal representation of the country or as a member of a national organization; Only trips abroad will be authorized for official missions or trips that are sponsored by organizations or governments, strictly official missions representing the country, paying special attention to commitments between countries.
“No minister, deputy minister, director or deputy director of an entity belonging to the Executive body may travel abroad accompanied by protocol personnel or a press team, unless the nature of the official mission requires it,” the document states.
In addition, it is detailed that no type of travel expenses will be reimbursed in addition to the established and previously authorized expenses.
the prohibition of making trips to attend congresses, internships or invitations, except in the case of the formal representation of the country or as a member of an international organization, only trips abroad for official missions will be authorized. Additionally, no minister, deputy minister, director or deputy director of an entity belonging to the Executive Branch may travel abroad accompanied by protocol personnel or a press team, unless the nature of the official mission requires it.
No type of expense will be reimbursed for additional travel to the expenses established and previously authorized by the Ministry of the Presidency.
No official car will be able to load fuel on Fridays unless it has authorization similar to the safe-conduct. The violation of this prohibition will be sanctioned with 10% of the salary of the responsible official.
The prohibition on the collection of allowances and travel expenses for the participation of public servants is maintained in meetings of boards of directors of autonomous and semi-autonomous state entities.
The ministers and directors of autonomous and semi-autonomous entities will be responsible for complying with these measures.
