Protests in Panama: pensions, environmental issues, a state of emergency, and rising anti-U.S. sentiment

Protests in Panama: pensions, environmental issues, a state of emergency, and rising anti-U.S. sentiment

Author: Pirate Wire Services July 2, 2025 Duration: 19:56

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In this episode of Pirate Wire Radio, we speak with Mat Youkee, a journalist in Panama City, and a regular contributor at the Guardian and the Economist, about massive protests in Panama.

He describes the reasons behind growing anti-U.S and anti-Trump sentiment in the country, as well as breaks down the complex and myriad reasons that have kept thousands in the streets for months in protests that have at times clashed with police.

Meanwhile, authorities have declared a state of emergency and begun crackdowns in the regions where protests have been fiercest.

We get into all the details, as well the role of U.S. fruit company Chiquita!

You can find Mat’s Substack, the Sulaco Times, here.



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Hosted by Joshua Collins, Pirate Wire Radio delivers original journalism focused on the complex realities of Latin America. This isn't a surface-level recap of headlines; it's a deep, narrative-driven exploration of the forces shaping the region. Each episode moves beyond the news cycle to connect political shifts and economic currents with the deeply human stories unfolding on the ground. You'll hear about crime, the drug trade, cultural movements, and societal changes, all presented through rigorous reporting and firsthand perspectives. The podcast aims to provide context often missing from mainstream coverage, weaving together analysis of current events with documentary-style storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the true texture of life and power across Latin America, from boardrooms and government palaces to street corners and rural communities, this show offers an essential, unvarnished listen. Tune in for a compelling and nuanced portrait of a dynamic part of the world, delivered directly through your preferred podcast app.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 35

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