Former President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli gave advice to new president José Raúl Mulino, recommending he get rid of 'manzanillos' — sycophantic hangers-on. Martinelli emphasized that many people around the president are not friends, but 'manzanillos' who flatter him for their own gain. He cited examples of how this situation unfolded with his predecessors: Juan Carlos Varela, Laurentino Cortizo, and Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo. Martinelli advised Mulino to focus on fulfilling his promises to the people and not to be swayed by flattery. He also added that after leaving office, many 'friends' abandon the president because they were interested in the position, not the person.
