$8.1 million a year for consultants on Government gravy train

Panama’s Government of Change is spending dramatically more on consultants with the annual bill  up from $5.9 million to $8.1 million for 257 people riding the gravy train.

President Ricardo Martinelli promised to cut the number of consultants when he took office.
Under the administration of Martín Torrijos, the government spent $5.9 million for 257 advisers
A report by the Comptroller General has detailed the salaries of hundreds of consultants.
The National Assembly has the most consultants of any government department, with 81. They are paid almost $2 million. The Comptroller has 38 advisers, while the Ministry of Education has 37.
Although the Office of the President has fewer advisers than other agencies, with 23, they are paid higher salaries, topping out at $3,500 monthly.