Turn up for government rally on Sunday or else

The Democratic Change (CD) rally in Plaza Cinco de Mayo on Sunday July 1 will have its ranks swelled by public employees who have been told to appear and wave flags or lose their jobs.

It is a  tactic reminiscent of earlier publicized news of employees being “encouraged” to register as CD members if they wanted to get or hang on to a job with the government.

One source reported from his government work place “all employees MUST attend and wave the flag…. without pay, regardless of what personal plans or commitments they have.

“We have been told in no uncertain terms that must = keeping your job”

Another source  gave Newsroom a  similar confirmation  and said that only a small percentage from his location “actually support the current government. It’s going to be  rent-a-crowd.”

There are other reports of plans to bus in hundreds of “supporters” to the rally to mark the third year of the Martinelli government.

On the dissolution of the ruling coalition a party of women were reportedly  paid and fed to demonstrate in front of the Panamenista headquarters.

During the presidential election campaign a giant crowd was encouraged to attend with sandwiches and drinks.

In Casco Viejo, an official, recently jailed on other charges, paid local people to march in opposition  to those opposing the extension of thye CInta Costera around the old city.

PARTY UNDER PRESSURE

The CD party and its president, Ricardo Martinelli have slipped dramatically in recent polls and have faced nationwide protests and demonstrations on issues ranging from the protection of wetlands, to the sale of government shares in profitable private enterprises and government land in Amador, Veracruz and Colon.  The government and the party took another hit when a suit, signed by Martinelli,  was launched against Electoral Tribunal (TE)  judges. Faced by a public outcry, the president apologized to the judges and the suit was withdrawn. 

Another group of CD insiders, including Panama Governor Mayan Correa has launched another suit against the TE judges. Correa has been reported as saying she would rather die than withdraw it.

Menwhile, CD organizers are predicting a massive pro-Martinelli rally and celebration.