Elections and Strike Looming in Panama
(Source:http://www.victoria.co.cu/Html/mundo/English/mundo_english(331)19-07-2008.html/)
Panamá, Jul 19 (Prensa Latina) The efforts of the two main opposition forces to head an alliance in the May 2009 elections centered the focus of the media in Panama, engaged in the heat o fan election campaign.
Meanwhile, the government´s attention concentrated in its social assistance programs, with the delivery of a special bonus worth 60 dollars to retirees, the repair of two old apartment buildings and aid to poor peasants and others.
President Martín Torrijos assured he would keep up the struggle against poverty until the end of his mandate on June 30, 2009, despite opposers acuse him of paternalism and election opportunism.
Trade unions, student, peasant, social and other organizations grouped in the Nacional Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (FRENADESO) continued the econsultations to define the date for a general strike.
Demands are freezing and cut in prices of family basket products to reduce the high cost of living, a general raise in salaries and improvements in education and health.
As for elections, this week two alliances between the opposition parties, headed by businessman Ricardo Martinelli of Cambio Democratico and Juan Carlos Varela, of Panameñista became evident.
Over the last few days, Varela and his followers engaged in healing wounds left by the party´s campaign primaries, held on July 6, amidst statements that they maintain open doors.
