Lucy Molinar Resigns as Panama Education Minister Amid Computer Tender Scrutiny
PANAMA CITY, August 13, 2026 – Lucy Molinar resigned as Panama education minister on August 12, announcing that she had formally submitted her resignation to President Jose Raul Mulino, Metro Libre reported.
Molinar made the announcement during a press conference with close collaborators from the Ministry of Education, after reviewing what she described as achievements from 25 months in office.
She connected the decision in part to public concern surrounding a Meduca computer tender and said she personally asked the Public Ministry to investigate so the matter could be clarified.
Molinar said stepping aside would allow the process to be reviewed without the same level of political noise and would leave room for a new administration to continue the work.
During the announcement, she defended the transparency of her management and said she preferred not to turn the controversy into a public debate that distracts from education policy.
She highlighted school internet costs, curriculum updates, teacher training and infrastructure work as key areas of her tenure.
Meduca later confirmed the resignation in a public statement and recognized her service, according to Metro Libre.
Why it matters
A ministerial resignation can reshape education policy, procurement oversight and the government response to public concern over tenders.
What happens next
The government must name or confirm new leadership while the requested investigation into the tender moves forward.
