President went “too far”in criticizing media–senior minister

As the honeymoon period of the Martinelli government draws to an end with criticisms from leading members of coalition party Panemanista, a senior government minister said on TV that the president went "too far" when referring to Panamanian journalism as "shoddy."

On the RPC program “Open Debate” Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu, said the President, Ricardo Martinelli, wanted was to call attention on the violence  in Panama, that was being  encouraged by the broadcasting of these facts.

In January, Martinelli attacked the television media after participating in the meeting of Latin American Business Council (CEAL) and described the news as"red and shoddy" because it constantly reflected violence.
He called heads of TV channels to the President’s Palace for “discussions”.

Papadimitriu said that after his remarks, the President was left alone. "We did not see anyone come out to support the president… They stood back and the President went into a ravine," said the minister, adding that neither the church nor the civicsociety supported Martinelli.

"If society is not going to help this change will be more difficult," because every citizen has to play their part, he said.

Meanwhile two other ministers sprang to the defence of the administration and its aim to promote change.
Deputy Minister of the Interior and Justice, Jorge Ricardo Fabrega, said "change is not a magic wand".
Fabrega, also acting director of the Transit Authority and Land Transport, acknowledged that opinion polls found that the public perception was that promised "change" has not

Fabrega was supported by Roberto Henriquez, Minister of Trade and Industry, who said: "The end of this administration," we will be judged by results, rather than promises. "