InfoAnda - Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Goldman downgrades Keppel, Sembcorp Marine to sell | 27 November 2008
Which sitcom actresses rarely watch their shows? | | 10 June 2010
France to resume election race after gunman's death | | 24 March 2012

Key hawk endorses Netanyahu for Israeli premier | 19 February 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote | International |

My Profile Top News Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day. Subscribe You are here: Home > News > International > Article Home Business & Finance News U.S. Politics International Technology Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Oddly Enough Health Science Special Coverage Video Pictures Your View The Great Debate Blogs Weather Reader Feedback Do More With Reuters RSS Widgets Mobile Podcasts Newsletters Your View Make Reuters My Homepage Partner Services CareerBuilder Affiliate Network Professional Products Support (Customer Zone) Reuters Media Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote Fri May 1, 2009 8:11pm EDT Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page [-] Text [+] By Sean Mattson PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - A supermarket tycoon with a multimillion-dollar fortune is the favorite to win Panama's presidential election on Sunday as voters look for assurances their economy can weather the global economic crisis. Pro-business conservative Ricardo Martinelli, 57, has a double-digit lead in opinion polls over ruling party leftist Balbina Herrera, who has an anti-U.S. past and old ties to a former military strongman that rankles with some voters. President Martin Torrijos' Revolutionary Democratic Party, or PRD, has strong support among lower-income voters but its popularity has sagged as prices of staples like milk and bread have soared in recent months and crime has spiked. "We're tired of promises," said teacher Jose Cedeno, 52, who spends a chunk of his $900-a-month salary on increasingly expensive food. "Prices haven't stabilized." Fueled by luxury apartment construction, U.S.-Asia trade through the country's famous canal and a robust banking sector, Panama's dollar economy has led Latin America with near or above double-digit growth for the last two years. Analysts expect growth to fall to 3 percent or less this year as credit dries up, canal traffic drops and activity in Panama's Caribbean free-trade zone slows, another concern for voters fed up with high inflation and widespread crime. Martinelli had a 14-point lead over Herrera in an April 23 poll and just needs to get more votes than his rival to win even if he falls short of 50 percent. A Martinelli victory would contrast with a shift to the left in much of Latin America in recent elections. A U.S.-educated and self-made businessman who owns Panama's largest supermarket chain and is a former minister of Panama Canal affairs, Martinelli has promised massive infrastructure spending to create jobs if he wins. Martinelli said on Friday he wanted to impose a flat tax of between 10 or 20 percent, raising tax rates on the banking and insurance sectors but lowering them for small-business owners. His self-financed campaign budget dwarfed Herrera's and images of the white-haired magnate helping at a banana plantation and tossing bags of garbage into a truck on an urban collection route highlighted his attempt to win support from poorer voters usually faithful to the PRD. A charity he runs that funds education also helped. "He has a lot, he's not going to steal. He's rich, but he's one of the rich who gives to the poor," said Ercilia Ramos, a poor 60-year-old cattle farmer. BUSINESS FRIENDLY The PRD's Herrera clashed with Washington when she led protests against former U.S. President George H.W. Bush when he visited Panama after a 1989 U.S. invasion ousted military dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega. Herrera, 54, has had trouble distancing herself from old links to Noriega, who is in a Florida prison serving a sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering. He has said he hid in Herrera's home from U.S. soldiers during the 1989 invasion. She says now she would maintain close U.S. relations and her campaign proposals are similar to Martinelli's. Continued... View article on single page Share: Del.icio.us Digg Mixx Yahoo! Facebook LinkedIn Next Article: UPDATE 1-PREVIEW-Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote Green Business Reuters Green Business Reuters introduces a new section dedicated to the emerging green technology sector, featuring five people to watch in the business of green and our global green portfolio. Full Coverage More International News NATO foils attack on Norwegian tanker Chavez says Obama must prove change after handshake Philippines had most displaced people in 2008: study May Day turns violent in Turkey, Germany, Greece | Video Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing More International News... Related News FACTBOX: Panama's presidential candidates 01 May 2009 Editor's Choice Slideshow A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow Most Popular on Reuters Articles Video Citi capital needs seen manageable Berlusconi says he world's most popular leader Obama reveling in U.S. power unseen in decades Lower Mexico flu death toll calms nervous world | Video NATO foils attack on Norwegian tanker Chuck Norris sues, says his tears no cancer cure Could Adam Lambert be first gay "American Idol"? Woman accused of taking 500 pounds of gold from job Pop star's arrest inspires "naked" T-shirts Hydroxycut products recalled after one death: FDA Most Popular Articles RSS Feed Video U.S. flu cases rise, Texas braces Mending the wounds of war Riots rock Chile and Venezuela India sex workers rally over law Workers march on May Day Woman thought to be first flu victim How ready are we? Fewer new flu cases in Mexico Unwinding Guantanamo Swine flu panic hits Cancun Most Popular Videos RSS Feed Reuters Deals The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators Knowledge to Act Reuters.com: Help and Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Mobile | Newsletters | RSS | Interactive TV | Labs | Archive | Site Index | Video Index Thomson Reuters Corporate: Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Professional Products | Professional Products Support | About Thomson Reuters | Careers International Editions: Africa | Arabic | Argentina | Brazil | Canada | China | France | Germany | India | Italy | Japan | Latin America | Mexico | Russia | Spain | United Kingdom | United States Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Saturday, 2 May 2009
Jamaican charged over CanJet hostage taking | International |
Berlusconi says he world's most popular leader | International |
Eric Bana's beast love rivals his acting passion | Entertainment |
Coldplay to give away live CD at gigs | Entertainment |
Duffy named Britain's first female poet laureate | Entertainment |
Tribeca film targets hypocrisy in U.S. gay politics | Entertainment |
NATO foils attack on Norwegian tanker | International |
Obama to host Afghan, Pakistan summit Wednesday
Chavez says Obama must prove change after handshake | International |
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Philippines had most displaced people in 2008: study | International |
May Day turns violent in Turkey, Germany, Greece | International |
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing
Google fields low-tech wildfire prevention: goats
Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote | International |
Iraqi Shiites battered but not battling back
Citigroup may need 10 billion dollars more: report
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing | International |
Five US, Latvian troops killed in Afghan attack
Chrysler begins court bid for quick bankruptcy exit
Five Western soldiers killed in Afghan attack | International |
Swiss govt says US lawsuit violates its sovereignty
US military says 3 American troops killed in Iraq
Fiji suspended from Pacific grouping | International |
Turkish PM presents new cabinet to president
U.S. says troops will not face trial over Iraq raid
Iraq's Sadr in Turkey for talks with Erdogan
Iraq faces 'havoc' if reconciliation fails: deputy PM
Cyber chief needs to be in White House: experts | Technology |
US-TECH Summary
Cyber chief needs to be in White House: experts
Immigrants push for reforms at rallies across US
Virtual mobility for disabled wins Second Life prize
US may revive military commissions: report
White House takes Web 2.0 leap
Former US soldiers describe rape of Iraqi girl, killings
Chip sales down 30 pct in March: SIA
'Desperate' driver in Dutch royal attack dies
Sri Lanka army website hacked: defence ministry
Pa. teens cleared of serious charges in beating
Mangione plays for NY air crash victims' families
Police find Ga. prof's Jeep; search nearby woods
LA judge orders widows' green card cases reopened
Court says FAA can't be held liable in Ill. crash
Eric Bana's beast love rivals his acting passion | Entertainment |
Australia to boost military might: government
A grown-up Matthew McConaughey faces his Ghosts | Entertainment |
One year on, Myanmar endures cyclone's ravages
French band Phoenix rising on U.S. indie scene | Entertainment |
Filipinos freed by Somali pirates return home
Obama reaches out to Pakistan's Sharif: report
Hong Kong at 'critical moment' in swine flu
Malaysia defers hike on tax for hiring foreigners
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Swine flu arrives in Asia
Recession fires worldwide May Day rallies
Fiji suspended from regional forum: chairman
Pakistani c.bank buys 41.6 bln rupees of T-bills
Japan sees pretax loss to March: report
Japan sees jobless surge, renewed deflation
Review: Met offers elegant revival of 'Cinderella'
Indian exports dive 33% in March
Indian property firm DLF Q4 profit dives 93%
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
French band Phoenix rising on U.S. indie scene
White House takes Web 2.0 leap
African dancers perform at New Orleans Jazz Fest
Indonesian parties form new coalition
TV Academy honors programs with a `conscience'
'Star Trek' game veers away from movie
A grown-up Matthew McConaughey faces his "Ghosts"
Kelis files for divorce from Nas in LA
The Edge's green pitch for Malibu riles residents
Egypt begins pig slaughter in earnest
Sri Lanka rebels accuse army of 64 shelling deaths | International |
Iran hangs woman for murder committed when minor: report | International |
Iran hangs woman for murder committed when minor
Pakistani forces kill 16 Taliban | International |
Studios Shuffle Movie Release Dates In Mexico Due To Swine Flu
Israel launches second day of air strikes in Gaza
Iran to review jail sentence of U.S.-born reporter | International |
NBC Exec Dies On Set Of Pilot "Parenthood"
Somali pirates say they have hijacked two ships
Israel launches second day of air strikes in Gaza | International |
Foxy Brown Cleared Of Cellphone Bashing Charge
Police battle rioters in Berlin | International |
Hand Model's Furniture Lawsuit Against Martha Stewart Settled
New candidate emerges among Iraq's Kurds
Iran shells Kurdish rebel positions in north Iraq | International |
Leonard Nimoy To Receive Lifetime Achievement At Saturn Awards
Russian troops patrol rebel borders with Georgia: report | International |
Two soldiers, 16 militants killed in Pakistan
Venezuela's Chavez condemns US report on terrorism
Analysis: Flu control tests Obama balancing skills
The Nation's Weather
Russia guarding Georgian separatist zones
Obama: Flu strain requires vigilance and readiness
Boston Globe union granted deadline extension
Ex-NYC stock trader pleads guilty to stealing $16M
Obama to host Afghan, Pakistan summit Wednesday
More schools shut as swine flu spreads in US
Xtreme offers bilingual reality | Entertainment |
Steve-O shows his dance with self-destruction | Entertainment |
NBC renews cop drama Southland | Entertainment |
'Hospital hit' in Sri Lanka, civilians dead
China tracks Mexico plane passengers over flu
HK seals central hotel to prevent swine flu spread
China's Liu upsets Guo at Table Tennis champs
Reports: Bus crash kills at least 26 in Uzbekistan
Philippine ship crew freed by pirates returns home
Australia to buy US jets, build up navy, air force
Pakistani forces kill 16 Taliban
NBC renews cop drama "Southland"
Steve-O shows his dance with self-destruction
Winehouse blocks paparazzi from her home
Mangione plays for NY air crash victims' families
NBC renews cop drama "Southland"
Xtreme offers bilingual reality
Indonesia's anti-corruption czar a murder suspect
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01