A seasoned politician with a long history in public service, José Raúl Mulino has been elected President of Panama after being catapulted into power following the disqualification of Ricardo Martinelli. Despite not being the first choice for vice president, Mulino emerged as the replacement for Martinelli and was officially endorsed by the Supreme Court of Justice just last Friday.
Mulino campaigned on promises to bring back the economic boom of a decade ago, drawing on nostalgia for the infrastructure investments and growth experienced during Martinelli’s presidency. He has emphasized his commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty, associating himself with the prosperous times of Martinelli’s term in office.
Despite controversy surrounding his past actions, Mulino has proposed ambitious projects for his presidency, such as extending the passenger train line to his native province of Chiriquí and calling for a new Constituent Assembly for Panama. His close association with Martinelli and his commitment to reviving the country’s economy have positioned him as a formidable leader in the eyes of many Panamanians.