Presidents wife sets sights on power

BRITAINS prestigious business newspaper the Financial Times, has joined the list of international publications that links the vice-presidential candidacy of Marta Martinelli to an attempt by her husband, President Ricardo Martinelli to keep his hands on the reins of power.

In a story headed: "Panama president's wife sets sights on power," the paper, which is red by opinion readers around the word, notes that Martinelli could essentially stay in power after his term ends on July 1.

"The candidacy of Mrs. Martinelli, who has no political experience, is seen by many as an attempt to allow her billionaire husband to maintain his grip on power," it stated.

It also mentions the rise of first ladies has become a common practice in the politics of the region. Examples included in the article are Cristina de Kirchner, current president of Argentina; Ifeoma Cedeño de Fernández, vice president of the Dominican Republic, and Rosario Murillo, defined as the "public face" of the administration of her husband, the President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega.
The Financial Times is the latest foreign publication to examine the candidacy of the first lady. Previously, it has been the subject of articles in the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press, which ran in newspapers such as The Washington Post, The Miami Herald and The Daily Mail.(UK)