Judith Pena | February 2, 2023
For the first time, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, referred to the designation of former President Ricardo Martinelli, as a corrupt person, by the United States government.
Cortizo stated that this shows the weakness that exists in Panama in judicial matters and within the institutions.
“This is a very sensitive issue because it indicates the weakness that we have in our institutions,” he said, noting that as a government he would not like anyone, any Panamanian man or woman to be classified as corrupt since it is “a very harsh brand and obviously a great challenge especially for Panamanian justice.
He added that as president he must contribute to strengthening justice in a very limited time through the appointment of 6 of the 9 magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice. He stressed that this strengthening process must be continuous and not just during one administration.
He said that not a single cent was cut from the administration of justice for the 2023 budget, “an important step but they must continue.”
