The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup

384: President José Raúl Mulino: Panama’s Adult in the Room

Dec 10, 2025
A deep-dive on Panama’s shift toward steadier, competence-driven governance under José Raúl Mulino. Discussion covers sovereignty moves around the Canal, recalibrated ties with the U.S. and China, and controversial mining and security decisions. Coverage of Panama joining Mercosur and how the Qualified Investor Visa, special passport and tax perks reshape residency and mobility for investors.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Navigating Between Washington And Beijing

  • Molino balanced pushback against U.S. claims about the canal while addressing Washington's security concerns.
  • He withdrew from Belt and Road, audited port operators, and expanded U.S. military and intelligence cooperation.
INSIGHT

Pragmatism Over Popularity

  • Molino reversed the copper mine closure and backed reopening to prioritize fiscal revenue and jobs despite political risks.
  • The move underscored his pragmatic, long-term focus over populist consensus.
INSIGHT

Restored Financial Credibility

  • The EU removed Panama from its high-risk AML list, signaling improved regulatory compliance and international trust.
  • This change enhances Panama's reputation and lowers friction for global business relationships.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app