Ángela Russo is sworn in as Ombudsman in the National Assembly

Ángela Russo was sworn in as Ombudsman for the period 2026-2031.

The former judge of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) also went to the Justo Arosemena palace this Monday and was sworn in at the office of the president of the National Assembly. Jorge Herrera and the general secretary of that power of the State, Carlos Alvarado.

The new human rights regent of Panama arrived at 2:00 pm and went directly to Herrera’s office, where the event took place.

The swearing-in occurred five days after, in a marathon and controversial session, the legislative plenary session gave its approval with 34 votes, amid questions about the selection process.

‘I have been very independent’

“I have always been a very independent woman. You can see my failures and my saves of votes,” said the new Ombudsman when a journalist asked her how she responded to those who claim that she was “anointed.”

And immediately, like someone reciting a learned prayer, he uttered the required phrase: “The Ombudsman’s Office is going to be where human rights need it. And I need to work starting by listening to people.”

He promised that transparency will be a priority in his management. He announced that he will meet with his predecessor Eduardo Leblancas well as with the rest of the officials and said that he will visit all the headquarters of the entity.

This Tuesday, he said, he will meet with Leblanc. “I have a lot of questions to ask you,” he explained.

The controversy

In the plenary session of the AssemblyRusso was nominated by the ruling party of Realizing Goals (RM), after the party founded by the former president of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelliinstructed his deputies to give him the vote.

They were supported by the Panameñista Party, Democratic Change and Mixed parties.

All after a bitter debate as a result of the plenary session not taking into account an act previously approved by the Government Commission, which after interviewing more than 30 candidates recommended seven for the position. Russo, like Leblanc, were not in that group.

You may be interested in: Minute by minute | Commission excludes Russo and Leblanc from the list of candidates for Ombudsman that will be sent to the plenary session

“I”

To respond to this matter, Russo appealed to his past in Court. “In many years I have resolved the constitutional matter. I actually look at everything through that prism of the Constitution. You have to review the norms of the Constitution that indicate that it is the National Assembly of Deputies that appoints the ombudsman and it is not really a commission,” he maintained.

Ángela Russo will take over as Ombudsman at a time when citizens demand an independent entity, removed from politics and capable of responding to complaints of human rights violations and playing an active role in the defense of fundamental guarantees.

Eliana Morales Gil

Political Section Editor