Anthony BlinkenSecretary of the Department of State of the United States, announced this Thursday the prohibition of entry into the country of the former Panamanian president Juan Carlos Varela for his alleged involvement in corruption cases.
This designation reaffirms the commitment of the United States in the fight against endemic corruption in Panama. The people of Panama trust those who represent them. Corruption unfairly deprives the people of Panama of quality public services such as schools, hospitals and roads, harming their economic prospects and quality of life,” Blinken said in a statement.
If not addressed, corruption will continue to depress Panama’s prosperity, weaken its democracy and prevent it from developing to its full potential,” added the Secretary of State.
The decision aims to “promote elected representatives and authorities” to confront corruption and “empower” those who defend the rule of law. Neither Varela nor his direct relatives will be able to enter the United States.
Blinken has ensured that the corruption also hurts to both the national security and the “economic health” of the United States and its allies.
Do not miss: EU investigates ChatGPT for possible harmful content
Varela, president of the country between 2014 and 2019, is accused of money laundering for receiving checks with alleged Odebrecht donations to the Panameñista Party for the 2009 electoral campaign.
With information from EuropaPress
emb