Arnulfo Again

Thanks to its taciturn strong man, Police Chief José ("Chichi") Remón, Panama had three Presidents last week.

The merry-go-round began when Remón tossed out President Daniel Chanis, who had tried to fire Remón on charges of graft (TIME, Nov. 28). But Chanis' successor, Vice President Roberto Chiari, lacked effective political support; after two days Chanis tried a comeback. He rescinded his resignation in the presence of the National Assembly, then led a hastily organized march on the palace to reclaim his job.

Police turned the marchers back with tear gas and gunfire.

Angry Panamanians denounced the police tactics. Almost nightly, cops tangled...

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