Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino delivered a forceful anti-corruption message to the nation’s business leaders this week. Speaking at the inauguration of the new board for the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, Mulino positioned ethics as the cornerstone of his administration.
The event marked the official start of Aurelio Barria Pino’s tenure as president of the influential business guild. Mulino used the platform to directly confront allegations of graft that have long plagued Panamanian politics. He framed his government in stark contrast to past administrations.
“I am a president with no inner circle, no influence traffickers, and no thieving ministers,” Mulino declared. [Translated from Spanish]
He defined corruption in blunt terms for the assembled audience. The president criticized what he called the impoverishment of public debate through shabby and ruinous methods.
A Clear Warning to Officials and Intermediaries
Mulino issued a stark warning to any officials within his Government of Panama who might consider unethical actions. He stated his administration maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for any deviations from the law. Those who have already crossed the line are gone, he asserted, and anyone who attempts to do so in the future will meet the same fate.
The president specifically denounced the presence of illegitimate intermediaries, often called “freelancers of power,” who he suggested can be worse than corrupt officials. He claimed these individuals do not operate within his orbit. Mulino emphasized that he speaks for himself on all matters and needs no representatives to convey his wishes.
“When I want something, I call whoever it is myself. No one can speak for me. In any aspect,” Mulino stated. [Translated from Spanish]
He revealed he has repeatedly had to deny people who falsely present themselves as his intermediaries to solicit favors. Many of these requested favors, Mulino noted, involve asking him to violate the law.
Respect for Judicial Independence Amid Calls for Reform
Addressing the role of justice, President Mulino stressed his respect for the separation of powers. He pushed back against the common public perception that a president can arbitrarily imprison or release people, or influence court judgments. He affirmed his commitment to not interfering with the independent judiciary.
Mulino did acknowledge significant room for improvement within the judicial system itself. He said there is much work to be done to repair and instruct so that justice becomes truly effective. The president confirmed he has been working directly on these issues with Supreme Court magistrates and other legal operators to drive necessary reforms.
The leadership transition at the Chamber of Commerce places aurelio barria at the helm of the country’s oldest business organization during a pivotal economic period. His presidency begins as Mulino’s administration seeks to rebuild trust with both the private sector and the general public through a platform of transparency.
Mulino’s direct language at the ceremony signals a deliberate effort to distance his government from the corruption scandals of previous terms. His pledge to personally reject influence peddlers aims to reassure investors and citizens alike. The success of this anti-corruption stance, however, will depend on its consistent application throughout his term and the tangible results it produces for Panama’s governance and economy.