Celeste Amarilla: PLRA will not "play nice" with Bachi or Peña and will present a slate for Comptroller

Senator Celeste Amarilla of the Liberal Radical Authentic Party (PLRA) has confirmed the party will present a slate of candidates for the General Comptroller's Office. She issued strong criticism against the ruling party, accusing them of shattering a long-standing "gentlemen's agreement" that traditionally ensured the comptroller's office was held by someone from a political party different from the governing one.

“

We don't have to talk to Bachi Núñez or talk to Santiago Peña or suck up to anyone. The Liberal Party will work institutionally and will present a slate of candidates.

Amarilla's statements come just before public hearings begin for candidates vying for the positions of comptroller and deputy comptroller general, scheduled to start this Thursday in the Senate. The liberal senator made it clear that the PLRA has no intention of negotiating with Senate President Basilio “Bachi” Núñez or President Santiago Peña to advance their nominees. "We don't have to talk to Bachi Núñez or talk to Santiago Peña or suck up to anyone. The Liberal Party will work institutionally and will present a slate of candidates," she asserted.

The senator explained that the selection of names will be discussed within the party's political committee, alongside lawmakers, following a recent renewal of party leadership. Amarilla's primary objection targets the ruling party's apparent intention to nominate candidates for both comptroller and deputy comptroller from within their own ranks. She believes this move violates a political practice designed to guarantee greater independence for the body responsible for overseeing public funds.

“

There has always been a gentlemen's agreement that the comptroller would be from a different party than the government. They broke that ethical pact, and now they want a Colorado duo.

"There has always been a gentlemen's agreement that the comptroller would be from a different party than the government. They broke that ethical pact, and now they want a Colorado duo," she stated. Amarilla argued that a comptroller's office staffed by individuals aligned with the ruling party would lose its capacity to effectively scrutinize the Executive Branch. "What will it control? Will it control its boss? It's impossible to expect that. They would turn the Comptroller's Office into a harmless institution," she questioned. Amarilla indicated that several liberal candidates possess the necessary qualifications for the role, and the initial plan is to propose a slate composed exclusively of party members, though she noted the final decision rests with the political committee.

“

What will it control? Will it control its boss? It's impossible to expect that. They would turn the Comptroller's Office into a harmless institution.