Ananova:

Panama's former president has criticised his successor warning that the country is on the brink of a "social crisis" because of its fledgling economy.

It was the first time Ernesto Perez Balladares has publicly commented on the new government since he handed over the presidency to the country's first female leader, Mireya Moscoso, a year ago.

He said during her first year there had not been one accomplishment, "but there have been plenty of mistakes".

Mr Perez Balladares, an economist, is most critical of the country's economic slump. Banking officials say Panama is experiencing a temporary "pause" after a growth spurt prompted by the Panama Canal handover in December.

Last month, 13 ministers resigned amid criticism that the government wasn't doing enough to solve the country's economic problems. Nearly all the ministers returned to their posts after the appointment of a new economic minister.

The president blames the slowdown on factors she says are out of her control - including the mass exodus of US military personnel and an increase in oil prices.

Mr Perez Balladares says that during his term the US military's presence decreased from 18,000 to 4,000, representing a $200 million annual loss to the economy. He says the nation did not suffer as much as it is now.

He commented: "What this creates is the image that the country cannot live without the (US military) bases."

He also warns tha the country could face a "social crisis" if nothing is done.

Since Mireya Moscoso became president last September, residents have complained that her government has not done enough to fight poverty and reduce widespread unemployment.