Mulino: ‘No es la Asamblea la que le va a decir al presidente a quién pone y a quién quita’ | La Prensa Panamá

Key Players and Events

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected a no-confidence vote proposed by the Vamos coalition against Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha. The motion, supported by 39 deputies, accuses the minister of actions detrimental to national interests related to a diplomatic conflict with the United States concerning the Panama Canal.

Mulino's Response

President Mulino dismissed the motion as politically motivated, emphasizing that the Assembly cannot dictate his executive appointments. While stating that the minister will appear before the Assembly if summoned, he stressed there is nothing to hide. Mulino highlighted the constitutional nature of the vote but declared it without real consequences in this case.

Prado's Rebuttal

Deputy Janine Prado, who presented the motion, responded by expressing concern over Mulino's attempt to discredit a legitimate oversight mechanism. She insisted the Assembly has the duty to address actions against national interests and that the motion was not a political gesture, but rather, an act of institutional defense. She further criticized the signing of international agreements without public consultation.

Key Arguments

• The clash centers on the power of the Assembly to influence presidential appointments.
• Mulino's assertion that the no-confidence vote lacks real consequences.
• The contrasting views on whether the motion was politically motivated versus a necessary act of oversight.
• Concerns about the government signing international agreements without consulting the public.