Martinelli wants 10-year security detail for exiting first ladies
IF THE National Assembly agrees, Panama’s exiting First Lady, Marta Martinelli, the unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate n the May 4 election, will have a security detail for the next 10 years,
Citing "personal security" concerns, the Ministry of the Presidency has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to increase the security details for relatives of former presidents.
The draft law was sent to the Assembly on Wednesday May 28 by Minister of the Presidency Roberto Henríquez.
According to the document, first ladies will be granted a security detail for 10 years and their children for five years.
The benefits of this measure will be the family of current President Ricardo Martinelli and the wife of former President Martín Torrijos (2004-2009). The three children of Torrijos will not receive the benefits because he left office more than five years ago.
The changes were authorized by Martinelli and his ministers at a Cabinet meeting May 20.
The extraordinary session of the Assembly was convened to approve this and more than 20 other bills before Martinelli leaves office June 30.
Martinelli claims to have received multiple death threats.