The survey conducted for La Estrella de Panama newspaper by Prodigious Consulting company, shows that in spite of the Government’s promise of putting more “chenchen” (local slang for money) in their pockets, one of the issues that is causing most concerns among interviewees is lack of formal employment.

A 10 percent of those surveyed are pessimistic, considering their economic situation will worsen in the next three months, a six percent increase compared to the previous enquiry, published in July this year.

Figures reflect that half of the 1,547 surveyed between October 1 and 3 have stopped buying non-essential items and food, and four out of 10 acquired new debts to pay current expenses in October.

When asked what is the country’s main problem, the high cost of living, unemployment and lack of opportunities were among the top five concerns of those interviewed. Since his inauguration Mulino has bet on different actions to fulfill his campaign promises, and has accordingly launched the “My First Job” program and promoted job fairs in alliance with private enterprise to create formal jobs.

He also announced infrastructure projects such as the construction of a Panama-David train, which is still in the planning stage as one of his receipts to reactivate the economy.

Mulino settled debts with suppliers and launched a strong diplomatic campaign to clean up the country’s image abroad, with particular emphasis on trying to remove Panama from the lists of European Union tax havens, but the results are yet to be seen and the people still see an uncertain future.

Ied/abo/mem/ga