Panamanian Deputy's Shocking Decision: No Reelection in 2029

Panamanian Deputy José Pérez Barboni Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2029 Panama City, Panama – In a surprising move, Panamanian deputy José Pérez Barboni has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2029. The announcement came during a recent interview on Rómulo Roux's popular podcast, "Rantan Podcast." Barboni's decision is significant given his relatively young age and his prominent role in the National Assembly. In the interview, Barboni explained his reasoning, stating, "I want to give space to new young leaders in my district and focus these five years on legislating without thinking about the political cost." This statement highlights a commitment to fostering new political talent and prioritizing legislative work over personal ambition. Barboni also defended his vote in favor of the recently passed Social Security Law (Ley 462), a decision that has drawn both praise and criticism. He stated, “No es perfecta, pero fue la decisión que me dejó dormir tranquilo. Pensé en mi generación y en darle al país una reforma más estable,” (It's not perfect, but it was a decision that let me sleep peacefully. I thought about my generation and giving the country a more stable reform.) This quote reveals a sense of responsibility towards his constituents and a belief in the long-term benefits of the law, despite its shortcomings. Beyond politics, Barboni expressed plans to pursue further academic studies and to seek leadership roles within his political party. This suggests a broader vision for his future contributions to Panamanian society. Barboni's decision not to seek reelection signals a potential shift in Panamanian politics, encouraging younger generations to participate more actively. His commitment to legislative work and his plans for future academic and party leadership offer a hopeful outlook for the future.