Ex-president supports Martinelli ruling style

Former president Mireya Moscoso broke with the country’s Vice President and leader of the party to which she belongs and, on CNN, defended the Martinelli style of government

"His way of governing is completely different to ours, some people like it, some people do not like it," said the former president of the Panamenista Party,.

Moscoso noted that Moscoso is the president for whom Panamanians voted and that he must be respected as President of the Republic.

She did not support the position of  fellow party member, the Vice President and President of the Panamenista Party, Juan Carlos Varela, when asked about friction arising between Varela and Martinelli.

She said that these conflicts affect the country's image, and should be resolved through dialogue.

Moscoso, whose own presidency was marred by strong criticism of many of her unilateral actions, urged the media and civil society organizations that, if they do not like the way the president  rules not to talk and affect Panama.

Moscoso's party was in partnership with the Martinelli Democratic Change party, which, but the marriage broke down August 31, 2011, after Martinelli fired Vaerla as chancellor of the Republic.

The differences between the two parties had another critical episode last week when the City Mayor, Bosco Vallarino, who belongs to the Panamenista resigned amid pressure from the Executive.