Business leaders and citizens demand political tranquility

PANAMA’S Chamber of Commerce has stepped up its appeal for the political class and the public in general to engage in a political debate that is civil.

The latest call came after the murder of prominent PRD activist Juan Ramon Messina on Monday Sepember 23.

"We regret what has happened in the last hours, which presents a clear mix of violence, intolerance and insults that does not lead to anything positive," said the business guild.
The Chamber of Commerce said that a proper investigation is needed.
"As we have said since last May, we demand the political class and the public in general, carry a debate that is dispassionate and where ideas prevail," said José Luis Ford, president of the Chamber. "We believe that what we are seeing in the media is really serious and embarrassing, both for democracy and for security,."
He added that "the citizens deserve a political class that works in a positive manner for the benefit of the country."
The murder of Messina has shaken the political environment of the country says La Prensa.
 Carlos Lee, a member of the Citizen's Alliance for Justice, said the shooting "definitely puts us on altert and I hope that it serves to make all politicians reflect and see what consequences can happen in the upcoming election."
Lee said that the Panamanian people deserve a political campaign based on proposals where an atmosphere of tranquility prevails.
"An electoral process with this preamble of violence is worrying," he said.
Panamenista Deputy Luis Eduardo Quirós said that "the levels of intolerance are coming to situations which have already become unpredictable."
He said there needs to be a calm political environment "to build our country and preserve our democracy."
PRD President Francisco Sanchez Cardenas, said that "it is difficult to give an opinion in the midst of thie pain that exists within the party, but serious measures must be taken.