Presidential discretionary spending spree record

PRESIDENT, Ricardo Martinelli, who campaigned on a promise to slash presidential “discretionary” spending has outspent all previous presidents.

In his first four years in office he dispensed $35 million.

The latest reports show that In the first six months of 2013 he has used up almost all the discretionary heading intended for the year , according to budget reports of the Ministry of the Presidency.
To cover discretionary items, contingencies, contingency reserves and global assignments, $4,793 000 had been approved
However, in the expense report usually published with delays in the website of the Presidency of the Republic, it is revealed that from January to June 28, 2013 he has used $4 ,341,786, leaving only $452 000 for the rest of the year.
These funds are used to cover foreign medical expenses for some citizens, for disaster mitigation and home improvements, among other purchases.
During the first quarter (January to March), the president spent $2 million 167 000 332, while in the second quarter spent $ 2 million 174 000 454.
In the third quarter [April to June] the President allocated $ 649,000 for local medical expenses, $ 504 thousand in overseas medical expenses, $ 136 thousand in conventions, and $ 632,000 in disaster mitigation and home improvements.
In his election campaign says La Prensa, Martinelli was a harsh critic of discretionary spending of his predecessors. Oone of his campaign promises was to reduce these funds. "The discretionary items will be reduced and converted into a special fund for emergencies and disasters," he promised