top of page

Panama's Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader


PANAMA CITY -Panama's former security minister Jose Raul Mulino on Sunday stormed to victory in a presidential poll dominated by his old boss, the popular ex-leader Ricardo Martinelli, who buttressed his campaign despite being holed up in Nicaragua's embassy.

Mulino, 64, was one of the favorites for the presidency after he stepped in to replace Martinelli on the ballot when the former president was barred from running due to a money laundering conviction.

"Mission accomplished, damn it," Mulino told his supporters to loud cheers and applause. "To Ricardo Martinelli, friend, mission accomplished as well."

Mulino said his government would be pro-investment and pro-business and said the Central American country would honor its debts, but also vowed to not forget the poor.

"I promise to the country at this time to put together, to establish, a government of unity as soon as possible," Mulino told electoral officials earlier as they video called him to confirm he had won the presidency.

In a strange election campaign, Martinelli played a key role drumming up support for Mulino from Nicaragua's embassy in Panama's capital, where he sought asylum. Many voters saw Mulino as a proxy for Martinelli, though opponents called him a puppet of the former president.

Nicaragua granted Martinelli asylum but Panamanian authorities have blocked him from leaving the country. Mulino visited Martinelli at the embassy after casting his vote on Sunday.

Mulino, a former lawyer, was declared winner having secured about 34% of the ballots tallied with over 90% of the total vote counted. Ricardo Lombana, who trailed in second place with about 25% of the vote, congratulated Mulino on his victory.

DAUNTING TASK

Mulino, a pro-business right-wing politician who served as interior and security minister during Martinelli's administration from 2009 to 2014, faces a daunting task of mending social divisions and regaining the faith of an electorate fed up with political graft.

Among his top priorities will be fixing Panama's pressing economic problems, tackling corruption, and restoring the country's reputation as an investment haven.

"We know that now as president he can fix the country," said Hayde Gonzalez, 46, a medic who danced with her daughters in the center of the capital upon hearing Mulino was pulling ahead as votes were counted.

"There will be more security and the economy will recover," she added.

Mulino has promised to usher in prosperity through ambitious infrastructure investment and a higher minimum wage, while suggesting he would keep Martinelli out of jail.



Magali Rosa, 60, a retiree, said she voted for Mulino because she felt he could bring more jobs and improve security, and that during the Martinelli government there was "a lot of money" for everyone.

Mulino will inherit the controversy surrounding a giant copper mine. The Cobre Panama mine, which accounted for about 1% of total copper supply, was ordered shut last year after a government contract with Canadian miner First Quantum was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Many Panamanians took to the streets to protest against the mine, which opponents argued lacked environmental guarantees and was riddled with corruption.

Panama's next government will also have to contend with a troubled pension fund system, high levels of public debt and the loss in income from the closure of the mine, which accounted for about 5% of gross domestic product.

Corruption has become a hot-button issue for voters. Local media has recently reported on generous student loans and scholarships granted to the children of politicians and wealthy, high-profile families.

After a record 520,000 migrants last year crossed the treacherous jungle that connects Panama and Colombia, known as the Darien Gap, migration is also on voters' minds. Some candidates have vowed to open up the path, which could increase migration flows into Panama, while others want to boost controls to shut it down completely.

The next administration will also inherit problems faced by the Panama Canal, which saw revenues tumble after it was forced to cut ship crossings due to a prolonged drought.

Mulino will take office on July 1 for a five-year term.



Source: Reuters

Comments


Top Stories

Advertise Now (1).png
Live: China Imposes 34% Tariffs on U.S. Goods | Foreign Ministry Briefing | Trade War

Live: China Imposes 34% Tariffs on U.S. Goods | Foreign Ministry Briefing | Trade War

Beijing, China — The Chinese Foreign Ministry holds its daily press briefing after announcing a sweeping 34% retaliatory tariff on all U.S. goods effective April 10. Watch for updates on China’s military drills near Taiwan, South China Sea tensions, Indo-Pacific security, Israel-Gaza conflict, and U.S. strikes in Yemen. #China #USChinaTensions #SouthChinaSea #Taiwan #IndoPacific #GazaCrisis #YemenStrikes #TradeWar #Geopolitics #PressBriefing Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
Live: Tokyo Stock Market Closes Amid Global Recession Fears | Asia Markets reaction to Tariffs
47:39

Live: Tokyo Stock Market Closes Amid Global Recession Fears | Asia Markets reaction to Tariffs

The Tokyo Stock Exchange ends the day with investor sentiment rattled by growing concerns of a tariff-driven global recession. Market volatility continues as trade tensions weigh on stocks. Get the latest update on Japan's financial markets and global economic impact. Subscribe for more financial news from Asia. #TokyoStockExchange #JapanMarkets #GlobalRecession #StockMarket #FinancialNews #TariffImpact #EconomicUpdate #JapanNews #AsiaMarkets #MarketClose Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
Live: Bolsonaro Supporters Rally in São Paulo for Amnesty | Jan 8 Protest | Brazil Politics
57:21

Live: Bolsonaro Supporters Rally in São Paulo for Amnesty | Jan 8 Protest | Brazil Politics

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters gathered on Paulista Avenue, São Paulo, demanding amnesty for those charged over the January 8, 2023 coup acts. The protest follows rising tensions around the former president's judicial process. Watch exclusive scenes and reactions from the ground. #Bolsonaro #BrazilProtests #SaoPaulo #Jan8 #AmnestyNow #BrazilNews #CoupAttempt #PaulistaAvenue #ProtestLive #SouthAmericaNews Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
Live: Macron in Egypt: Talks with Sisi, Gaza Meeting & Business Forum | France-Africa Ties

Live: Macron in Egypt: Talks with Sisi, Gaza Meeting & Business Forum | France-Africa Ties

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a two-day visit to Cairo, Egypt. Key events include a welcome by President Sisi, Gaza-focused trilateral talks with Jordan's King Abdullah, business agreements, and metro project visits. Stay tuned for highlights, statements, and behind-the-scenes coverage. SCHEDULE (TIMINGS APPROX): 0700GMT - Welcome ceremony with Egypt's President Sisi 0845GMT - Signing of agreements 0930GMT - Joint statements 1000GMT - Arrival of Jordan King Abdullah 1005GMT - Trilateral talks on Gaza 1205GMT - Working lunch - NO PRESS ACCESS 1300GMT - Closing of Franco-Egyptian business forum 1430GMT - Visit with Sisi of metro line operated by France's RATP 1550GMT - Presentation of new campus project 1600GMT - Cairo University 1900GMT - Working dinner #Macron #EgyptVisit #CairoNews #GazaTalks #FranceEgypt #MiddleEast #MacronInEgypt #JordanKing #MetroTour #Diplomacy Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
World News | Trump Tariffs, EU,  Israel, Myanmar, France, Amaravati Today | VISTA Ep 34
14:40

World News | Trump Tariffs, EU, Israel, Myanmar, France, Amaravati Today | VISTA Ep 34

France's cognac makers, buffeted by trade wars, reel from Trump's tariffs EU seeks unity in first strike back at Trump tariffs US starts collecting Trump's 10% tariff, smashing global trade norms Rains add to challenge for Myanmar quake relief, toll at 3,471 Israeli military changes initial account of Gaza aid worker killings Russia says Ukraine 'multiplying' energy attacks despite US-brokered moratorium Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
Live: Le Pen Barred from 2027 Election: RN Rally in Paris Sparks Outrage | France Politics
02:17:28

Live: Le Pen Barred from 2027 Election: RN Rally in Paris Sparks Outrage | France Politics

France’s far-right National Rally (RN) holds a major rally in Paris supporting Marine Le Pen, who has been barred from the 2027 presidential race following a graft conviction. The event marks growing tensions in French politics as supporters challenge the ruling. Watch the full coverage of the rally and reactions. #MarineLePen #FrancePolitics #ParisRally #RNParty #FrenchElection #LePen2027 #FarRightFrance #NationalRally #GraftCase Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
9.png
Live Streams | Facts | Analysis | Explainers | Breaking News

Get in Touch

Manikondu Pvt Ltd
SY. 130P & 115/1P, ISB Rd
Financial District, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, India 500032
letstalk {at} amaravati (dot) today

Follow us on

  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2024 by Amaravati Today | Privacy Policy | Imprint & Dsiclaimer | CIN: U70200TS2024PTC184435

bottom of page