Varela comments on presidency open can of worms

Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela, said on Monday that he would not  assume the presidency if President Ricardo Martinelli was absent for more than 10 days.

His comments, made at a political rally in Chitre where he was drumming up support for his bid to remain president of the Panamanista party have opened a political can of worms.

Varela’s statement had been intended to help him stepping into a minefield blocking the way for a run at the presidency of Panama in 2014. He said that if he took the role of president even for a few days, the constitution would prohibit him from running.

 But he has opened a legal and political debate in the country.

Opinions vary. Some say that Varela has revealed his ignorance of the Constitution while political analysts say by refusing, the Vice President would be in the hands of an assembly controlled by the  Democratic Change Party.

The Panamanista Party Conference will take place on the weekend.