Laurentino Cortizo is a Panamanian politician who has served as the President of Panama since July 1, 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party and previously held various government positions, including Minister of Agricultural Development. Cortizo was elected president after a campaign focused on social issues and economic development. Cortizo was born on January 30, 1953, in Panama City. He studied in the United States, earning a degree in business administration. His presidency has been marked by efforts to address corruption, improve public services, and manage the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.