Senator questions independence of Paraguay's Comptroller General, warns of political takeover

Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar has raised concerns about the institutional independence of Comptroller General Camilo Benítez, suggesting recent events have "blurred" his autonomy. Ovelar also cautioned against what she described as a political "takeover" model being implemented in bodies outside the main branches of government.

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We will be attentive to the political move, because that is an extremely political position. That the competition is open and that people can apply freely seems excellent.

The period for applications to the position of Comptroller General of the Republic is open from June 15 to June 30. The current comptroller, Camilo Benítez Aldana, a member of the Colorado Party, is eligible to seek re-election. While some parliamentarians acknowledge the initial strengths of Benítez's tenure, they strongly question the direction his administration has taken recently.

"We will be attentive to the political move, because that is an extremely political position. That the competition is open and that people can apply freely seems excellent," stated Senator Ovelar. She acknowledged Benítez's strong performance in the early stages of his term but noted that "the issue is so politically charged now, so interested parties come into play and it is very debated."

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the issue is so politically charged now, so interested parties come into play and it is very debated.

Ovelar further elaborated on the "cartismo" political model, which she characterized as a strategy of "takeover" and infiltration into all institutions. She pointed to bodies like the Council of the Judiciary and the Court of Criminal Cassation as examples, stating that "absolutely they have the imprint of an imperative that directs the actions."

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absolutely they have the imprint of an imperative that directs the actions.

"These latest events are what have somewhat blurred all that independence that he always showed there," Ovelar concluded. "Because he has done very categorical studies and conclusions regarding the functioning of many institutions, even Congress."

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These latest events are what have somewhat blurred all that independence that he always showed there.