'Nito' Cortizo: cattle rancher and veteran of Panama politics

• May 10 2019
• http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-report/-nito-cortizo-cattle-rancher-and-veteran-of-panama-politics_164383

PANAMA CITY, Panama (AFP) — Social democrat Laurentino Cortizo, who won Sunday's presidential election in Panama, is a veteran politician and former agriculture minister of the small Central American country.

The 66-year-old businessman and cattle rancher, popularly known as “Nito,” will serve a single five-year term as head of state of a nation famed for its canal but also notorious for its financial sector which is accused of providing a haven for international tax evasion.

The terse and stern-looking Cortizo, who campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket, has said he wants to “rescue and transform Panama” and leave a legacy untainted by graft.

He briefly served as agriculture minister in the government of president Martin Torrijos (2004-2009).

Corizo resigned after just 15 months in the government because he opposed concessions to relax health standards during negotiations for the US-Panama free trade agreement, which was signed in 2007.

Passionate about improving cattle breeds, he is known for his hands-on approach, helping with milking, vaccinating and tending to his herd.

Cortizo, who focused his campaign on the fight against inequality, is praised by supporters for his humility and social sensitivity.