José Raúl Mulino, full name José Raúl Mulino Quintero, was born on June 13, 1959, in David, Chiriquí, Panama. He is a Panamanian lawyer and politician who has served as President of Panama since July 1, 2024. He previously held several government positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Government and Justice, and Minister of Public Security. Mulino was elected president on May 5, 2024, as the candidate of the Realizing Goals Party, succeeding Laurentino Cortizo.

Early Life and Education

José Raúl Mulino was born in David, in Panama's Chiriquí Province. His father, José Mulino Rovira, was a politician who served as governor of Chiriquí. His mother, Nelly Quintero de Mulino, was a businesswoman. His brother, José Javier Mulino, pursued a diplomatic career.

He completed his primary and secondary education at Colegio San Vicente de Paúl in David. He subsequently studied law and political science at Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua in Panama, graduating in 1982.

In 1983, he earned a master's degree in maritime law from Tulane University in New Orleans, United States.

Legal Career and Opposition to Military Rule

After completing his education, José Raúl Mulino began practicing law, specializing in maritime and commercial matters. In 1988, he became a founding partner of the law firm Fábrega, Molino y Mulino. He represented shipping companies, shipowners, banks, and other businesses.

During the 1980s, Mulino participated in the opposition to the military government of Manuel Noriega. He was involved in the National Civic Crusade, a movement formed by business organizations and civil society groups opposing military rule.

Following Noriega's removal from power in December 1989, Mulino entered government service.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

In 1990, José Raúl Mulino was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Guillermo Endara. He became Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1993, following the death of Julio Linares.

He held the position until 1994. His responsibilities included Panama's diplomatic relations and negotiations with foreign governments.

Between 1994 and 1996, he served as an alternate magistrate of the Civil Chamber of Panama's Supreme Court of Justice. He was also involved in the National Council on Foreign Relations.

Political Parties and Government Positions

José Raúl Mulino participated in the establishment of the Solidarity Party, where he served as vice-president and later president. He subsequently held leadership positions in the Patriotic Union Party.

In 2011, he joined the Democratic Change Party, associated with former president Ricardo Martinelli. He left the party in 2019 and later joined Martinelli's Realizing Goals Party (Realizando Metas).

During Martinelli's presidency, Mulino served as Minister of Government and Justice from 2009 to 2010. Following a government restructuring, he became Minister of Public Security, holding that position from 2010 to 2014.

As Minister of Public Security, he supervised policies involving the police, border protection, organized crime, and drug trafficking.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

In October 2015, José Raúl Mulino was detained during an investigation into alleged irregularities involving government contracts for radar equipment purchased during his tenure as Minister of Public Security.

He denied wrongdoing and maintained that the investigation was politically motivated.

In March 2016, his preventive detention was replaced by less restrictive measures. In August 2017, Panama's Supreme Court ruled in his favor on procedural grounds, invalidating parts of the investigation because of violations of legal requirements.

2024 Presidential Election

Before the 2024 general election, José Raúl Mulino was selected as the vice-presidential running mate of former president Ricardo Martinelli, the presidential candidate of the Realizing Goals Party.

Martinelli was subsequently disqualified from running because of a money-laundering conviction. Mulino replaced him as the party's presidential candidate.

On May 5, 2024, Mulino won the presidential election with approximately 34.2 percent of the vote. His nearest competitor was Ricardo Lombana.

On July 1, 2024, Mulino was sworn in as President of Panama, succeeding Laurentino Cortizo for a five-year term.

Presidency of Panama

After taking office, José Raúl Mulino announced policies addressing public security, economic development, government finances, and irregular migration through the Darién Gap, the jungle region connecting Panama and Colombia.

On July 1, 2024, Panama signed an agreement with the United States concerning the repatriation of migrants entering Panama irregularly. The agreement was part of Mulino's efforts to reduce migration through the Darién region.

His government also addressed the country's public debt, employment, infrastructure, and the operation of the Panama Canal. Mulino defended Panama's sovereignty and national control over the canal amid renewed international debate about its administration.

His security and migration policies have generated debate among government supporters, opposition politicians, and human rights organizations.

Personal Life

José Raúl Mulino married Maricel Cohen in 1985. The couple have four children: José Raúl Jr., Monique Alexandra, Alexandra Victoria, and Verónica Isabel.

Political Career

1990–1993 - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Panama
1993–1994 - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Panama
1994–1996 - Alternate Magistrate, Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court
2005–2008 - President of the Solidarity Party
2008–2011 - President of the Patriotic Union Party
2009–2010 - Minister of Government and Justice, Panama
2010–2014 - Minister of Public Security, Panama
2011–2019 - Member of the Democratic Change Party
2022–Present - Member of the Realizing Goals Party
2024–Present - President of the Republic of Panama

Source: Biyografiler.com