Contraloría General de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela
CGR
Summary
The Contraloría General de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela is constitutionally established under Articles 287-291 of the 1999 Constitución as part of the Poder Ciudadano (Citizen Power branch). The Contralor General is elected by the National Assembly for a single seven-year term, formally requiring qualifications including 15 years of professional experience in relevant fields. The LOCGR (2010) governs the institution's detailed structure and powers. Under the formal statutory framework, the CGR has full access rights and audit powers over the entire public sector. In practice, however, under the authoritarian Maduro government the institution has lost meaningful independence: the National Assembly that elects the Contralor has been controlled by the ruling PSUV party, and the CGR has functioned largely as an instrument of political persecution rather than independent oversight. Annual reports are formally published but reflect government priorities.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 7 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ley Orgánica de la Contraloría General de la República y del Sistema Nacional de Control Fiscal
- Citation
- LOCGR (G.O. N° 6.013 Extraordinario 23-12-2010); Constitución Arts. 287-291
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
National public sector including all ministries, agencies, state enterprises, and entities receiving public funds; also reviews management of private entities that administer public resources. Oversees the national fiscal control system.