17 organizations want comptroller called to National Assembly

A total of 17 organizations have asked the National Assembly to call Comptroller Gioconda Torres de Bianchini for questioning.

The organizations which represent human rights and freedom of expression groups want the comptroller to answer questions about her endorsement of contracts and the role the institution has played in ensuring that the government spends its money wisely.

The members of the 17 organizations said Tuesday that the appearance of Ombudsperson Patria Portugal before the Assembly has raised more doubts and concerns about the role of the comptroller.
They want Torres de Bianchini to detail the mechanisms used by the office.
"Many consultants have been hired by the state since the public procurement law was reformed in 2008, which relaxed the controls in respect of their hiring," the organizations said.
They also added that the office has not made public the controls put in place to limit costs of public works.