Protesters in Panama on Tuesday protested against US President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US government could retake the Panama Canal.
Trump had complained about “excessive” shipping fees, and demanded that the canal be “returned” to American control if it was not reduced.
What do we know about the protests?
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Panama chanting “Trump, animals, leave the canal alone” and carrying banners such as “Donald Trump, Panama’s public enemy.”
The United States largely built the Panama Canal and managed its territory for decades before transferring full control to Panama in 1999.
“Panama is a sovereign territory and the canal here is Panamanian,” Saul Mendez, leader of a construction union that jointly organized the protest, was quoted by France’s AFP news agency as saying.
“Donald Trump and his imperial illusions cannot claim even a centimeter of land in Panama,” Méndez said.
The protest comes a day after President Jose Raul Mulino said that “every square meter” of the canal belongs to Panama and that its status is “non-negotiable.”
Also on Tuesday, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), made up of ten Central and South American countries, condemned Trump’s comments and his support for Panama’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-determination.” Confirmed.
Panama is not a member of the bloc, which is based in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
What did Trump say about the Panama Canal?
On Saturday, Trump insisted in a post on his Truth social platform that Panama reduce shipping fees or return the canal to the US.
The post read, “Our navy and commerce have been treated very unfairly and imprudently. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous.”
Panama charges fees for boats and ships using its canal, with fees varying according to size and purpose.
Trump also warned against alleged Chinese influence around the canal.
On Monday, Greenland said it was “not for sale” after Trump suggested Washington could take “ownership and control” of the island.
SDI/WD (AFP, EFE)
