Friction inside Panamas ruling coalition

The latest signs of friction in Panama’s ruling coalition government came to light in discussions over the appointment of an ombudsman.

A mid-week meeting between the two main parties of the alliance, the Cambio Democrático (CD) and the Partido Panameñista was called when when Deputy Minister of Labor, Luis Ernesto Carles, a Panameñista, declined to accept the job, and the parties were set searching for a new candidate.

Instead of dealing with the ombudsman issue the discussions quickly turned to internal problems says La Prensa  with. the CD accused the Panameñistas of failing to fully participate in the legislator, and Panameñistas saying that CD members were introducing bills that are causing controversies.

Panameñista Luis Eduardo Quirós said a lack of coordination is one of the causes of the ongoing clashes between the parties.

The two sides decided to form a committee for dialogue with President Ricardo Martinell, to strengthen the partnership.