The possibility of a conviction against former President Ricardo Martinelli, in the New Business case, which would disqualify him from running in the presidential elections of May 5, 2024, forces the former president to have a plan with an ace up his sleeve. ' so that the RM party has as its presidential standard-bearer and the vice-presidency of the Republic, figures very close to their entourage reports La Estrella. One of the moves in this political chess, which according to sources within the party is not ruled out, is the possibility of running the former president's wife, the former first lady of the Republic, Marta Linares de Martinelli, as a presidential candidate.

But in this case, former president Martinelli, who was already elected in his party's primaries as its presidential standard-bearer, would have to give up his candidacy and the party would have until October 29 to make a new application for the position.

Another option, according to those close to the RM party, lies with the figure of the young businessman David José Virzi Martinelli (the former president's nephew), who is currently the party's second vice president, and who could be on the party's payroll as a candidate for the vice presidency of the Republic, having Ricardo Martinelli as standard bearer, in case of not being disqualified.

Marta Linares de Martinelli, contrary to rumors of estrangement with the former president, participated in the RM presidential primary elections on Sunday, June 4, and attended the event at the El Panama hotel, where, after his election, both,  raised their arms in victory.

“In the act of Sunday, June 4, they began to bring Mrs. Marta to the fore, since they are preparing her in case Ricardo Martinelli is disqualified” said the source.