Vote delayed in Puerto Rico

Confirmation of the nominee to succeed departing Gov. Ricardo Rossello was pushed into next week.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rican politics were in full-blown crisis Thursday as confirmation of the nominee to succeed departing Gov. Ricardo Rossello was delayed into next week, casting doubt over who will become governor when Rossello leaves office.

Rossello, whose resignation goes into effect Friday afternoon, had named veteran politician and attorney Pedro Pierluisi as his successor by nominating him to the position of secretary of state, the next in line as governor under the U.S. territory’s constitution.

Pierluisi is a former representative to the U.S. Congress seen by most ordinary Puerto Ricans as a conciliatory, relatively uncontroversial figure, unlikely to be met by continued street demonstrations over poor governance and corruption.

Pierluisi’s main obstacle appeared to be Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, who has said he won’t vote for Rossello’s nominee and wants to run for governor himself next year.

Rivera Schatz is a powerful figure deeply associated with Puerto Rico’s political and business elite, and his elevation to governorship could reignite popular outrage.

Shortly after the start of a Senate session Thursday, Rivera Schatz delivered a scathing attack on his critics and said that the Senate would hold a hearing Monday on Pierluisi.

Because Pierluisi has not yet been confirmed, it was not clear if he would be Rossello’s successor Friday or if the position would pass to the next in line, Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez, who has already said she doesn’t want the job.

“All of this will be legally analyzed,” Pierluisi said.

“I’ll be there,” Pierluisi said. “I’ll have the opportunity to express myself and answer all questions . ... My only loyalty as governor if I have the support of legislators is to the people of Puerto Rico.”

Rivera Schatz said Pierluisi should have the right to be heard and that if he is not approved, the constitution will be followed to find a new governor.

“Let’s give him the chance to defend himself,” Rivera Schatz said, adding, “I don’t think I’m going to be convinced.”

He criticized Pierluisi for being an attorney with the firm that represents the federal control board overseeing the island’s finances, calling it “Puerto Rico’s No. 1 enemy.”

Meanwhile, opposition legislator Anibal Jose Torres complained that legislators with Rossello’s party were meeting behind doors before the session began.

“It’s irresponsible how they’ve handled this,” he said.

Rossello’s New Progressive Party holds majorities in both chambers of the legislature, meaning a united party could have easily named the next governor.