PuertoRico governor resigns amid intense political pressure, massive protests RicardoRossello
SAN JUAN - The governor of Puerto Rico announced late Wednesday that he will resign effective Aug 2, amid intense pressure from inside and outside of his government, after a series of leaked chat messages denigrating his opponents and Hurricane Maria victims triggered outrage from frustrated citizens who had taken to the streets for 13 consecutive days of protests.
Mr Mendez's challenge suggested the lawmaker had the necessary votes to obtain a two-thirds majority in his chamber and send the case to the Puerto Rico Senate. Puerto Ricans waited for hours for an answer from their embattled governor as the uncertainty ratcheted up and speculation about his potential successor abounded.
A former district attorney in Puerto Rico, Ms Vazquez has been criticised for delaying or mishandling prosecutions of members of her own party. She came into direct conflict with the powerful Senate leader Thomas River Schatz over the indictments of two contractors and one of his staffers in an alleged fraud scheme.
For nearly two weeks, Mr Rossello asked for forgiveness while insisting he would remain in power to finish the work he had started. He promised not to run for reelection and resigned as head of the New Progressive Party, which holds majorities in both the Puerto Rico House of Representatives and Senate.
Mobile alerts from local news outlets tipping off the impending resignation triggered deafening cheers and incessant clanging of pots and pans late into the night. "I indicated to the governor that it was time," said Ms Otero, a member of Rossello's party."For his family and the peace of the people, it was time to leave and allow a peaceful transition so Puerto Rico can get back to normal."
The board continued to say that,"for far too long government in Puerto Rico has failed to treat the island's residents with the respect that they deserve" and"elected officials and government employees must understand and accept that their job is to serve the people of Puerto Rico, not insiders, special interests or their own political careers."
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