Anger over inflation sparks protests in Panama

Frustrated Panamanians have taken to streets in protest for more than a week, building upon anger over fuel prices that have nearly doubled to show ir general dissatisfaction with government.

protests grew Wednesday despite President Laurenti Cortizo ordering Tuesday control of prices of at least 10 products of basic food basket and "austerity" measures in government, in addition to temporary freezing of fuel prices.

As protests continue, more groups from public health and education sectors among ors emerged with demands, ranging from better working conditions in hospitals to more medical equipment and better salaries.

Social discontent also targeted corruption scandals, waste in state coffers, subsidies to businessmen and nation's historic inequality, according to experts.

"This government has been characterized by its anti-democracy, its anti-popularity and above all, an absolutely unpatriotic behaviour," said Miguel Antonio Bernal, political science professor at University of Panama. " people have come out to say eugh is eugh."

Protesters questioned government for t putting price controls on products y consider vital for basic nutrition, such as eggs, vegetables, and bread in general.

Late in afteron, riot police fired tear gas at groups trying to break through a fence guarding National Assembly building and took some of detainees away.

Panama, a country of 4 million people, has historically maintained a fairly stable service-based ecomy that uses U.S. dollar as its official currency.

That has practically made inflation a n-issue in recent times. w ecomists put inflation around 4%, which is significant but well below some or countries in region, such as Mexico, where it is around 8%.