Panama Real Estate: The Shape of Things to Comes
(blog.abpanama.com) We have a new president in Panama. As the press throughout the world is noting Ricardo Martinelli does not follow the recent trend toward left wing leaders in Latin America. Mr. Martinelli is a successful businessman.
However, Mr. Martinelli has a populist streak to him. A campaign slogan of his was “moving on until there is a better life for all Panamanians.
Last night in his acceptance speech Mr. Martinelli reiterated his comment that it is not acceptable in Panama that forty percent of the population lives in poverty.
Democratic Change
What we see different with Mr. Martinelli is that, unlike Mr. Chavez in Venezuela, he is not talking about nationalizing companies nor exporting his brand of politics throughout the region. It appears that Mr. Martinelli’s focus will be on jobs for Panamanians and a fairer tax system for all.
We don’t hear any hints of Ricardo Martinelli wanting to be President for Life.
Panama Investment, Infrastructure, and Real Estate
Panama’s new president talk of a subway system for Panama City. A comprehensive rapid transit plan is long overdue in this prospering city. Like the Panama Canal Expansion and other mega projects a subway in Panama City would relieve traffic congestion, make the city more efficient, and, above all, create more jobs.
The focus on well thought out projects will continue to attract foreign investment keeping Panama number one in per capita foreign investment. And, business and construction continue to be strong so will opportunities in
Panama commercial and residential real estate.
Panama has so far escaped the worst of the worldwide recession, and, if it moves forward with plans that attract capital, will make it through relatively unscathed.
Panama travel
is temporarily in a shadow as the severity and reach of the swine flu comes to be known. However, as this issue resolves itself it is likely that tourism and business
travel to Panama
will resume their previous rate of growth.
Split Power
The political issue left over from last night is that the PRD will probably retain control of the national assembly having either a majority or the largest voting block. Thus it would appear that Mr. Martinelli will need to show an ability to negotiate and compromise to get what he wants. That is probably the fly in the ointment as far as Panama’s continued prosperity is concerned.
Will the PRD commit to a reasonable power sharing agreement or will they adopt the role of the spoiler in Panama politics.
For that issue we will need to wait and see.
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Original Source: abpanama.com
Date Retrieved: May 4, 2009.
