José Raul Mulino Ascends to Presidency in Panama Amidst Controversial Ties with Disqualified Ex-President Martinelli

Subheadline: Mulino, once a minister under Martinelli, steps into the presidential role after a last-minute court endorsement, promising to revive Martinelli's policies.

José Raul Mulino, a former minister and lawyer, has unexpectedly risen to the presidency of Panama following the disqualification of his mentor, ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, who was convicted of money laundering. Mulino, aged 64, was propelled to the forefront as the candidate for the Realizando Metas party, founded by Martinelli, after Panama's highest court confirmed his candidacy just days before the election. Despite his controversial past, including a brief detention for corruption charges in 2015-2016, Mulino has maintained significant popularity, largely due to his association with Martinelli's economically prosperous tenure.

During his campaign, Mulino did not shy away from his connection to Martinelli, adopting the slogan "Mulino is Martinelli" and visiting the former president at the Nicaraguan embassy where Martinelli has sought refuge since February. Mulino's campaign promises included infrastructural projects like a railway line and an animal hospital, alongside a pledge to reform the country's pension system. His leadership style, described as confrontational and authoritarian, was evident as he avoided presidential debates, focusing instead on leveraging his mentor's lingering popularity.

On election day, Mulino's visit to Martinelli highlighted their close relationship, with campaign footage showing emotional scenes at the Nicaraguan embassy. Despite the controversies surrounding Martinelli, Mulino's campaign benefited from the former president's active involvement, including campaign videos and public endorsements. This connection seemed to resonate with voters at the Atlapa convention center, a major voting site in Panama City, where the Martinelli-Mulino 2024 campaign was prominently featured.

Critics and opponents, however, remain skeptical of Mulino's favoritism in the polls and his potential presidency, fearing a continuation of Martinelli's problematic legacy. Concerns about political corruption, economic mismanagement, and the implications of a Mulino presidency on Panama's international relations, particularly with the United States, were prevalent among voters. Despite these concerns, Mulino's ascent to the presidency marks a significant moment in Panama's political landscape, driven by the enduring influence of his controversial mentor.