In a decisive move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has announced the designation of former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption. During his tenure as vice president and president of Panama, Varela was found to have accepted bribes in exchange for improperly awarding government contracts.

This designation reinforces the United States' commitment to combat endemic corruption in Panama. Corruption undermines the trust of the Panamanian people in their representatives and deprives them of essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, hampering their economic potential and overall quality of life. If left unaddressed, corruption will hinder Panama's prosperity, weaken its democracy, and impede its progress towards realizing its full potential.

Secretary Blinken's hope is that this significant designation will serve as a catalyst for Panama's elected representatives and authorities to confront entrenched corruption head-on and empower all those who stand up for the rule of law. The damaging effects of corruption extend beyond national boundaries, impacting the national security and economic health of the United States and its allies. The United States remains committed to promoting accountability for individuals involved in significant corruption worldwide.

This public designation falls under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023. Individuals designated under this section, along with their immediate family members, are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.