How did Omar Torrijos gain control of Panama’s government after 1968?

Omar Torrijos gained control of Panama’s government following a military coup in October 1968 that overthrew President Arnulfo Arias just 11 days after he took office.12

Following the coup, the National Guard established a ruling junta that dissolved the National Assembly, suspended constitutional guarantees, and implemented press censorship. Torrijos, who was a colonel at the time, gradually emerged as the leader of this military junta, eventually adopting the titles of Chief of Government and Supreme Leader of the Panamanian Revolution.213

His power was further solidified through constitutional changes that enlarged his authority. By 1972, a new national assembly—whose members were selected by Torrijos—granted him full executive powers, allowing him to rule as a dictator. Throughout his tenure, he maintained a facade of popular government while exercising control over the state, including the appointment and dismissal of puppet presidents.3