A new survey that was conducted in August 2008 shows that the average Panamanian citizen is most concerned about inflation: 32.8% said it was their top concern. Right behind inflation at 32.5% is the fear of crime, violence and instability. Panama’s workers are looking to have their salaries increased in order to lessen the harmful affects of inflation on the prices of necessities like food and medicine. It’s unlikely that there will be an increase of the minimum wage, which at present is pegged at $265 a month.

The increase in inflation is directly related to the rise in crime. In June of 2008 17.7% of Panamanians were concerned about crime, violence and instability: it is now at 32.5% an increase of 16.8% in just two months. I would expect this number to increase as the election season in Panama goes into full swing in about a month or two: the fierce infighting for political positioning will bring out the worst in the political elite and that will feed the fear of instability. The way to lessen the fear of crime and instability is if a clear front-runner emerges in the presidential race, and if prices for basic necessities drop.

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