A recent survey revealed a massive citizen rejection of any U.S. involvement in the Canal, alongside a growing criticism of its management and the lack of direct benefits for the population.
The study conducted by the firm Vea Panamá shows a deep sense of national sovereignty. When asked about foreign intervention, a resounding 72 percent of citizens oppose any type of U.S. participation in the administration of the interoceanic route.
In the same vein, 94 percent reject the exemption of fees for ships of other nationalities, reinforcing the demand that the Canal primarily serve Panamanian interests, a recovered asset that remains the greatest symbol of pride for the country.
Although the Panama Canal continues to be the third largest source of national pride (14.8 percent) and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the second most credible institution (6.8 percent), perceptions of its management are predominantly negative.
Only 14 percent of respondents rate the administration as good. In contrast, 49 percent believe it could improve, and 35 percent directly define it as poorly managed, resulting in 84 percent of critical opinions regarding its current management.
The main deficit, according to the data, lies in the distribution of the wealth it generates. Only 18 percent of the population feels they receive direct benefits from the operation of the Canal, highlighting a disconnect between the macroeconomic success of the route and citizen well-being.
In contrast, 43 percent of Panamanians believe that the Canal does not benefit the people, while a significant 38 percent admit they do not know what the country gains from its main economic asset, pointing to a serious problem of communication and transparency.
The survey results depict a paradox: while the Canal remains a bastion of national identity and sovereignty in the collective imagination, its management faces notable erosion of legitimacy among a citizenry that does not perceive its benefits in everyday life.
(With information from Telesur)
Taken from Cubadebate
