Assembly elects new comptroller

BUSINESSMAN Federico Humbert will replace long time Martinelli employee Gioconda Torres de Bianchini as Panama’s comptroller.
He was elected Wednesday, November 26 by the plenary of the National Assembly.

Humbert had the votes of the three major party caucuses. The only vote he did not receive was from independent Deputy Ana Matilde Gómez, who voted for Luis Chen González, a candidate supported by civic groups.
Gioconda Torres de Bianchini’s term ends December 31. Her performance while in office has been criticized inside and outside the Assembly.
The Assembly also approved PRD member Nitzia de Villarreal as the deputy comptroller. She was supported by the Panameñista and PRD parties.
CD deputies abstained from voting, with the exception of José Muñoz, who supported de Villarreal.
Prior to the voting, CD Deputy Aris de Icaza nominated Napoleón Bernard. He received one vote, as did Víctor Cucalón, who was nominated by Ana Matilde Gómez.