Deputies warned of criminal links

WHILE LASHING OUT at judge’s over decisions he felt were contrary to the proper administration of justice, President Juan Carlos Varela on Friday July 1, warned of possible criminal links between politicians and criminals.

Speaking to the  National Assembly  Varela warned the country’s politicians to be careful of who they listened to when making decisions about the future of the country.

“Politicians need to avoid contact with people who can lead the country in the wrong direction,” he said.

“We have seen members of the political class and people close to them in very delicate situations,” said the president.

While he did not provide details, he may have been referring to a 2015 incident in which people closely linked to PRD Deputy Alfredo Pérez and CD Deputy Juan Poveda were arrested for drug trafficking.

Varela gave his speech shortly after the National Assembly voted to re-elect Deputy Ruben de Leon as president of the legislature. De Leon heads a coalition of deputies from the Panameñista, PRD, Molirena and CD parties that supports the president.

In his speech, Varela  said that judges had released “dangerous criminals who threaten the country’s image and the lives of its citizens.”

He urged the judges to use the power given to them by the constitution “so that justice is done.”