Martinelli responds to criticisms by Varela

LA PRENSA/Archivo

Presidente Ricardo Martinelli

12/11/2012 - President Ricardo Martinelli said this afternoon that the attacks upon him by Vice President Juan Carlos Varela are due to "political anxieties."

"I understand that a person does what he has to do," said Martinelli about Varela's claim that he needs mental health treatment.

Varela made that statement in response to a civil suit filed against him by the president.

Martinelli said he and Varela have many business connections, as his business sells ingredients to Varela's family company, which makes liquor, which is then sold in supermarkets owned by Martinelli.

"He is my partner, my friend, and we consult on many occasions," Martinelli said. "I understand that this is purely politics."