Presidential budget in Panama spent on jewelry and clothes

PANAMA CITY, October 25.—Former president Mireya Moscoso was the subject of criticism on Monday, when it was revealed that during her mandate she used money from a discretionary budget to buy jewelry and expensive clothes, as well as spending large amounts on travel and meetings, according to AP.

That news agency tried to talk with the former president but spokespersons from her political party stated that she was not to be found.

"It is an abuse of discretional budgets, which have a very clear objective: to resolve unanticipated social problems that the president of the Republic may have," stated analyst Roberto Eisenmann in an interview with AP.

That money should be used for persons in need, not to buy jewelry, or for luxuries, which is what is emerging on the list of Moscoso and Ernesto Pérez Balladares (her predecessor)," he added.

Various media detailed on Monday the alleged costs incurred by Moscoso, including the purchase in jewelers worth $531,305; and close to $2.4 million in clothing and accessory stores.

The list includes the purchase of a blender for $3,178.

"Luxuries and fine taste are secret items," is the El Panamá América headline of an article in this context.