Choice of Puerto Rico governor's successor delayed
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rican politics were in full-blown crisis Thursday as confirmation of the nominee to succeed departing Gov. Ricardo Rosselló was delayed into next week, casting doubt over who will become governor when Rosselló leaves office.
Rosselló's, whose resignation goes into effect at 5 p.m. Friday, 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 Rosselló'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 re- ignite 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 on Pierluisi on Monday.
Because Pierluisi has not yet been confirmed, it was not immediately clear if he would be Rosselló's successor Friday or if the position would pass to the next in line, Justice Secretary Wanda Vázquez, who has already said she doesn't want the job.
“All of this will be legally analyzed,” Pierluisi said as he pushed through a gaggle of reporters after Rivera Schatz announced that a public hearing will be held on Monday.
“I'll be there,” Pierluisi said. “I'll have the opportunity to express myself and answer all questions. ... I offered to take a step forward for Puerto Rico at this moment given my love for my country. ... My only loyalty as governor if I have the support of legislators is to the people of Puerto Rico.