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June 23, 2025

Panama Declares State of Emergency Over Worker Rebellion
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The government of Panama has declared a state of emergency, suspending
constitutional protections in the Bocas del Toro province after two
months of worker-led protests and road blockades in opposition to a
contested social security reform. The province is a major
banana-producing region where workers have spoken out against
exploitative conditions by banana giant Chiquita. The corporation,
formerly known as United Fruit Company, fired thousands of striking
workers last month.


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