Panama’s President Meets With Cabinet After Its Reshuffle
Panama’s civilian president met with new Cabinet members and other advisers Monday in a renewed effort to find a way out of the worsening financial and political crisis.
Manuel Solis Palma named seven new ministers to the 12-member Cabinet on Sunday night, three of them to sensitive posts in foreign and economic policy. He said the chief task will be to achieve full resumption of banking services.
Panama’s banks closed March 4 because there was not enough cash to cover withdrawals. Some banks reopened last week, but only to accept deposits.
The key post of foreign minister was filled by Jorge Eduardo Ritter, Panama’s U.N. ambassador, an ally of military strongman Manuel A. Noriega.
One of Solis’ closest advisers, Gustavo Gonzalez, was named minister of planning and economic policy. The other appointments included Finance Minister Orville Goodin, Education Minister Rolando Murgas, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Cesar Martans, Agriculture Minister Darinel Espino and Public Works Minister Rene Bultron.
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