Panama will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the United States’ handover of the Panama Canal on Tuesday. This milestone, however, is overshadowed by controversy following Donald Trump’s recent threats to demand the canal’s return to U.S. control.
Trump’s Threats Stir Anger
Two days after the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who signed the treaty that led to the canal’s transfer, Trump made comments that upset many Panamanians. He stated that Washington would demand the canal “be returned to us” if Panama couldn’t ensure its “secure, efficient and reliable operation.” Additionally, Trump criticized the canal fees, calling them “ridiculous,” and falsely claimed Chinese soldiers were operating the canal.
Public Response in Panama
In response, Panamanians have strongly defended their sovereignty over the canal. Political scientist Sabrina Bacal noted, “There’s nothing that unites Panamanians more than the defense of the canal.” Meanwhile, Francisco Cedeno, a local graphic designer, dismissed Trump’s remarks as “completely nonsensical” and urged him to focus on resolving issues in the U.S. rather than meddling in Panama’s affairs.
Canal’s Economic Impact
The Panama Canal remains crucial to global trade, handling about 5% of worldwide maritime traffic. Notably, the United States is the biggest user, accounting for 74% of the cargo, while China follows with 21%. The canal generates approximately 6% of Panama’s GDP and 20% of its fiscal revenues. Since the handover in 2000, it has contributed around $28 billion to Panama’s economy.
Panamanians Feel Left Out
Despite the canal’s significant economic contributions, many Panamanians feel they haven’t benefited as expected. Clotilde Sanchez, a cleaner in Panama City, expressed, “We Panamanians should not be as poor as we are because the canal brings in a lot of money.” Her colleague, Nadili Perez, added, “The people don’t benefit from the canal, only politicians do.”
Anniversary Celebrations
The anniversary will be marked with a ceremony led by Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez. Additionally, a march will take place to honor the 20 Panamanians who were killed in 1964 when students attempted to raise the Panamanian flag in the former U.S. “Canal Zone.”
Carter’s Role in Handover
The canal’s transfer occurred in 1999 after U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the historic treaties with Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos in 1977. According to former president Martin Torrijos, the treaties “put an end to an era of subjugation and began a period of independence and dignity.”
Panama Rejects Trump’s Demands
President Mulino has firmly rejected Trump’s calls to negotiate over the canal’s control. He emphasized, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God.”