Panama eyes national budget of $23 billion laden with public works

Panama's government plans a 2019 budget of $23.3 billion, marking a $549 million reduction compared with this year.

The proposal is to be sent to the National Assembly. It includes such major public works allocations as $583 million for the Metro, $289 million for the fourth bridge over the Canal and $320 million for hospitals and clinics.

The nation's Cabinet also approved the budget of the Panama Canal Authority, which projects income of $3.2 billion and direct transfers to the national Treasury of $1.7 billion.