Former President Torrijos criticizes Mulino's Assembly dealings

Former Panamanian President Martín Torrijos has sharply criticized President José Raúl Mulino's actions following the election of the new National Assembly's board of directors. Torrijos contends that Mulino has overstepped by intervening in a state organ through negotiations with traditional political parties, suggesting this move will lead to a continuation of the status quo.

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The president has once again meddled in another state organ. It seems he has sought a majority within the traditional political parties, and I believe we will now see what it has always been: more of the same.

"The president has once again meddled in another state organ. It seems he has sought a majority within the traditional political parties, and I believe we will now see what it has always been: more of the same," Torrijos stated. His remarks come amid the ongoing process of forming the Assembly's permanent commissions, a process complicated by Mulino's acknowledged meetings with representatives from various parties, notably excluding the independent Vamos and Seguimos blocs.

Torrijos emphasized that ignoring the role of independent deputies is akin to ignoring the reality of Panama and warned that public dissatisfaction with traditional politics remains a potent force. "Not recognizing the role that many Vamos deputies and other deputies from non-traditional parties have played is to ignore the reality of the country. But moreover, not recognizing that this weariness with politics remains vigente within Panamanian society is a mistake, and he will live with the consequences of his actions," he expressed.

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Not recognizing the role that many Vamos deputies and other deputies from non-traditional parties have played is to ignore the reality of the country. But moreover, not recognizing that this weariness with politics remains vigente within Panamanian society is a mistake, and he will live with the consequences of his actions.

In a related development, Torrijos also discussed the creation of a new political movement called UNE, announced in May, which aims to offer an alternative for the 2029 general elections. The collective is currently in a consultation phase for its foundational documents, seeking to present its principles and objectives to the public before formal registration. "We are creating a new political alternative in the country given the fatigue and the need for different alternatives," Torrijos affirmed, adding that the project seeks to foster national unity and address issues like political polarization and corruption.

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We are creating a new political alternative in the country given the fatigue and the need for different alternatives.