Commentary: Panama's economy is booming, but the institutions are not

Latin America's most strategically located country is booming, and its current prosperity is expected to accelerate in coming years thanks to a windfall of profits from the Panama Canal's expansion.

And yet, there are fears about the country's future, writes Andres Oppenheimer.

There is widespread anxiety — including from senior U.S. diplomats, according to recently released WikiLeaks cables — that President Ricardo Martinelli's bullying governing style might lead to an excessive accumulation of powers, increased corruption, political turbulence, capital flight, and an economic downturn.

Original source: Miami Herald