Editing Politics of Panama (section)

== Corruption ==
Panamanians have been working to root out the after-effects of several decades of military rule since the country's return to democracy in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cuffe|first=Sandra|title=Corruption concerns cast shadow over Panama's elections|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/5/3/corruption-concerns-cast-shadow-over-panamas-elections|access-date=2021-07-14|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref> In 2020, it was reported that Panama loses approximately 1% of its GDP every year to corruption, including government corruption.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-10|title=¡Basta Ya! How pandemic-related corruption calls for a new social contract in Panama|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/basta-ya-how-pandemic-related-corruption-calls-for-a-new-social-contract-in-panama/|access-date=2021-07-14|website=Atlantic Council|language=en-US}}</ref> However, the country is working to improve its democracy, and in July 2020, two ex-presidents of the country ([[Ricardo Martinelli]] and [[Juan Carlos Varela]]) were questioned over their involvement in the [[Operation Car Wash|Odebrecht bribery scandal]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sleinan|first=Julett Pineda|title=Two Panama Ex-Presidents Accused in the Odebrecht Corruption Scandal|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/14510-two-panama-ex-presidents-accused-in-the-odebrecht-corruption-scandal|access-date=2021-07-14|website=www.occrp.org|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-02|title=Former Panama presidents face corruption charges|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200702-former-panama-presidents-face-corruption-charges|access-date=2021-07-14|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> Martinelli was eventually released after being found not guilty, but was subsequently re-arrested on charges of money laundering.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Moreno|first=Elida|date=2021-02-27|title=Ex-Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli's aircraft seized in Guatemala|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-panama-martinelli-idUSKBN2AR07A|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref> Two sons of Martinelli (Luis Enrique and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli) were also charged with bribery and money laundering by the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Moreno|first=Sofia Menchu, Elida|date=2020-07-07|title=U.S. charges ex-Panama president's sons with bribery, money laundering|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-panama-guatemala-corruption-idUSKBN2472YD|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref> In August 2020, Panama joined forces with the United States to form a joint task force to root out money laundering.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-17 |title=United States partners with Panama on money laundering task force |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-panama-usa-idUSKCN25D2KX |access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref>

However, despite the work being done, much still remains to be accomplished, and the International Trade Administration notes that corruption remains the largest hurdle for businesses wanting to invest in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 January 2021|title=Panama - Market Challenges|url=https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/panama-market-challenges|access-date=14 July 2021|website=Official Website of the International Trade Administration}}</ref>