Nepotism continues with diplomatic appointments

Nepotism is alive and well in Panama when it comes diplomatic appointments and the government  of Ricardo Martinelli has followed in the footsteps of previous administrations says La Prensa.

At least 32 people close to the President, the First Lady, Marta Linares Martinelli, the foreign minister and vice president Juan Carlos Varela, and several other ministers and many deputies have been appointed to represent the country abroad.

 The list includes relatives, friends and former employees of the leading politicians. At least two relatives of Martinelli, four of his wife and two of the chancellor have been appointed along with relatives of ministers Jimmy Papadimitriu, Giselle and José Raúl Mulino Burillo, Mayor Bosco Vallarino, and comptroller Mona Lisa Bianchini.
This practice continues says La Prensa despite the fact that the Code of Ethics says that elected officials must refrain from making appointments to public positions “ to your spouse, partner or other family related by marriage.”