Martinelli meets with opposition leaders on “shocking” issues

POLITICAL commentators were wondering on Thursday what next President Ricardo Martinelli will pull out of his bag of campaign tricks after a meeting with two prominent opposition figures.

Asked about his meeting with Panameñista leaders Arnulfo Arias Olivares and Manuel Lobo Martinelli said that he spoke with them about issues of national interest and that these "shocking" issues will have "great benefits for Panama." Panameñista  leader and presidential candidate, Juan Carlos Varela was not present.

As rumors swirled that Minister of Social Development Guillermo Ferrufino was forced out of the race for mayor, Martinelli said that he respected the decision by to drop out of the race due to health reasons.

"When one has health problems, he must put that and family above all political aspirations…Health and family come first, then politics," said Martinelli, who said that Ferrufino remains a friend and a minister of the state.
The president also responded to opposition allegations that Ferrufino was forced to drop out.
"Ferrufino was a fixed candidate to win the mayor's office," Martinelli said.