New comptroller will have to be brave

A NEW “independent Comptroller General for Panama will be chosen by the National Assembly before the end of October says National Assembly president  and Panamenista  deputy Adolfo Valderrama.

He told La Prensa that an “independent” figure, aware of the issues will ” have to be brave because the scenario is not going to be easy” .
The new comptroller will replace Gioconda Torres de Bianchini. who worked for former president Ricardo Martinelli for 15 years before being he appointed her to monitor the country’s expenditures.
Valderrama, emphasized that the independent approach was part of both campaigns of now President Juan Carlos Varela and his opponent in the May election Juan Carlos Navarro, PRD.
If the comptroller is not chosen before October 31, the process will have to be completed in aspecial session convened by the Executive, before December 31.
The choice of the comptroller is the exclusive competence of the National Assembly. According to Valderrama, what is sought is to strengthen democracy and institutions, so that “it is not just speeches or theories is implemented.”
He said that it is necessary to put the interests of the country first and although he did not mention names, Deputy Leandro Avila and former legislator, Bernabe Pérez -both PRD- have voiced their aspirations for becoming Comptroller from January 2015, Perez is even visiting lobbying Deputies for support.
“I am optimistic about the governability pact[ between the PRD and Panameñista parties], because there must be differences. We do not have to agree on everything … there has to be debate,” he said.
Members of the Citizens Alliance for Justice have called for the National Assembly to show “transparency” and identify the nominees to be the next Comptroller.