Ministry globe trotting budget rockets
If you’re the globe trotting type, working for Panama’s Ministry of the Presidency might be the job for you.
The Ministry had budgeted $814,149 for the payment of travel expenses abroad in 2012 but, by July. hHad spent $1,252,148, according to a report from the Presidential Palace..The near half a million dollars extra was necessary said Presidency officials
According to the report, the main destinations of presidency staff in the first half of the year were Spain, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and the U.S., among others.
For 2013, the Ministry of the Presidency had requested a $1,441,600 intended for travel expenses. However, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will cut that projection and has recommended only $793 000 699.
President Ricardo Martinelli has made 64 trips abroad since he took office With two years to go he could hit 100. In cricket parlance he’s heading for a ton.
Destinations included Italy, Greece, London, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Portugal, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and Cuba with alleged side trips to international soccer events.
"The President's trips are to promote investment and generate more employment places", the government communications, secretary, Luis Eduardo Camacho told La Prensa, and said that Martinelli has ordered reduce trips abroad.
