The crisis in Venezuela is no longer a purely domestic matter. It has become one of the defining political, humanitarian, and economic challenges of Latin America – with consequences that extend far beyond its borders. For Panama, a country built on democratic values and international connectivity, Venezuela’s turmoil is both a moral concern and a regional reality.
Panama’s position is unequivocal: democracy must be respected, and the will of the people cannot be ignored. The Venezuelan people have repeatedly expressed their desire for political change, accountability, and freedom. Any durable solution must be rooted in those principles and achieved through peaceful, democratic means.
This stance is not ideological; it is principled. Panama’s own history teaches us that stability and prosperity flourish only where legitimacy, transparency, and the rule of law prevail. When those pillars erode, societies fracture – and neighboring nations feel the impact.
The economic impact
One such impact has been economic. The prolonged collapse of Venezuela has directly affected the Colon Free Zone, one of the largest free trade zones in the world and a cornerstone of Panama’s economy. For decades, Venezuela was among its most important markets. The breakdown of Venezuelan commerce has significantly reduced trade flows, illustrating how political crises do not remain confined within borders but ripple across entire regions.
Yet economics tell only part of the story. The humanitarian consequences of Venezuela’s crisis – mass migration, social dislocation, and deep human suffering – have tested the conscience of the hemisphere. Panama believes that silence or neutrality in the face of democratic erosion is not an option.
Mulino and Machado
In this context, the leadership of President José Raúl Mulino deserves particular recognition. From the beginning of his administration, Mulino has expressed clear and unwavering support for the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people, and for opposition leader María Corina Machado, whose courage and commitment have resonated well beyond Venezuela’s borders.
Mulino’s backing of Machado – including his diplomatic efforts to ensure she could receive her Nobel Peace Prize – sent a powerful message to the international community: that standing up for democracy and human rights is not merely symbolic, but actionable. It reaffirmed Panama’s belief that moral clarity still has a place in international relations.
Panama promotes peace
Panama’s approach to Venezuela is consistent with our broader worldview. As the country that hosts the Panama Canal, one of humanity’s greatest symbols of connection, we see our role as inherently linked to dialogue, cooperation, and peace. Our national DNA is not to divide, but to connect – to connect oceans, markets, cultures, and peoples.
This responsibility carries weight. Promoting peace does not mean avoiding difficult conversations; it means insisting that conflicts be resolved through legitimate institutions and democratic processes. Panama stands ready to support regional and international efforts that advance dialogue, protect human dignity, and restore democratic order.
The Venezuelan crisis is a test – not only for Venezuela, but for all nations that claim to value freedom. Latin America has the opportunity to demonstrate that democracy is more than a slogan, and that solidarity is more than rhetoric.
Panama will continue to champion peace in the region and in the world. We do so not only because it aligns with our interests, but because it reflects who we are: a nation committed to connecting, facilitating, and building bridges – even in times of profound uncertainty.
The writer is Panama’s ambassador to Israel.