Governor names successor after resigning
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said Friday he was resigning as promised and swearing in veteran politician Pedro Pierluisi as his replacement, a move certain to throw the U.S. territory into a period of political chaos that will be fought out in court.
In an emailed announce- ment from his office, Rosselló said Pierluisi does not need confirmation from both houses of the territory’s legislature because he was named secretary of state, the next in line to be governor, in a recess appointment this week.
The statement said Pierluisi will be sworn in to complete Rosselló’s term, but it did not say exactly when. Rosselló had promised to resign at 5 p.m. Friday, a few minutes before the state
ment was sent. Rosselló’s resignation came in response to weeks of popular protest over mismanagement and a series of leaked chats in which he and advisers denigrated a range of Puerto Ricans.
The down-to-the-wire maneuvering risked polit- ical chaos and a consti- tutional crisis and sowed
bitterness and pessimism among Puerto Ricans about the fate of their island, which has been battered by years of bankruptcy and Hurricane Maria in 2017, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
Only days ago, there was jubilation over the success of the popular movement to force Rosselló out. Friday, Puerto Ricans bemoaned
the chaos that left them not knowing who would be their next governor. “People are disgusted with the government in general, not just Ricardo Rosselló, everyone,” said Janeline Avila, 24, who recently received her degree in biotechnology.
Hundreds of protesters marched to the governor’s residence, the Fortaleza, banging pots and drums and singing the national anthem. The demonstrators chanted “Ricky, get out! You didn’t quit, the people fired you!”
Protester Bryan Carhu Castro Vega, a 21-year-old uni- versity student, said he was disappointed.
“It’s obvious that the constitutional setup that we have isn’t working for the peo
ple,” he said. “None of the options is one the people chose, or want, or deserve.”
Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives voted 26-21, with one abstention to confirm Pierluisi as secretary of state. The legislature, which is controlled by Pierluisi’s New Progressive Party, erupted into cheers when the deciding vote was cast.
Some lawmakers and officials believe that because
the legislature was not in session when Pierluisi was appointed, he was already secretary of state. Others
argue he still needs to be confirmed by the House or both the House and Senate.
“Who better than me to advocate for our people? Pierluisi said.