Panama Government to Meet Anti-Inflation Protesters for Talks

(Bloomberg) -- Panama’s government agreed to talks with protesters after anti-inflation demonstrations spread, blocking access to highways and ports.

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The nation’s Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa will moderate talks starting at 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, the government said in a statement.

“Together we can find viable and feasible solutions to the problems affecting our society,” the government said.

Read more: Fuel Price Freeze Fails to Halt Panama Anti-Inflation Protests

Panamas’ construction workers’ union, teachers, community activists and nurses took to the streets on Wednesday to demand responses to the rising price of fuel and other consumer good. Some protesters burned tires.

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo froze the price of gasoline and 10 basic goods this week and the government announced a $150 million plan to subsidize fuel costs over the next 3 months.

Ecuador’s government faced similar protests last month over fuel prices and high costs of living.

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