Panama President-elect Jose Raul Mulino has filled two key cabinet positions with a business leader and an economist, signaling his commitment to leading a business-friendly administration.
Felipe Chapman, a prominent business leader, was appointed as the economy and finance minister, while Javier Martinez-Acha was selected as foreign minister. Mulino emphasized the importance of choosing the right people to lead the country after the campaign.
Analysts from BancTrust & Co. viewed Chapman’s appointment positively, noting that his father, former Planning Minister Guillermo Chapman, had a track record of sound fiscal management. In addition to Chapman, Mulino also named Julio Molto as trade minister.
Molto’s role will involve overseeing the closure of the once-lucrative First Quantum copper mine in the country. Martinelli, a close ally of Mulino’s who had to step down from the presidential ticket due to disqualification, played a significant role in Mulino’s campaign and is expected to continue working closely with him as he takes office next month.
