Puerto Rico’s governor resigns and names his successor
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló resigned Friday as promised, clearing the way for veteran politician Pedro Pierluisi to be sworn in as his replacement, a move that threw the U.S. territory into a period of political uncertainty.
Two hours after taking the oath, Pierluisi emerged at the governor’s residence to address the press and said he would only promise to serve as governor until Wednesday, when the Senate has called a hearing on his nomination. If the Senate votes no, Pierluisi said, he will step down and hand the governorship to the justice secretary, the next in line under the constitution.
Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of Rosselló’s party seen as a possible future governor, criticized Rosselló for naming Pierluisi and appeared to hint at fighting the succession plan. One constitutional amendment states that everyone in line to become governor has to be confirmed by both House and Senate, except for the secretary of state.
Several legislators have accused Pierluisi of a conflict of interest because he worked for a law firm that represents a federal control board overseeing the island’s finances, a body that has repeatedly clashed with local officials over demands for austerity measures. The board was created by Congress to oversee the restructuring of more than $70 billion in public debt after Puerto Rico declared a form of bankruptcy.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pedro Pierluisi has been sworn in as Puerto Rico's new governorPuerto Rico's Secretary of State nominee Pedro Pierluisi will replace outgoing Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, the governor's office said in a statement Friday.
Read more »
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello officially resigns, Pedro Pierluisi sworn inRicardo Rossello, the governor of Puerto Rico who was forced to step down amid mass protests, will officially resign from the position at 5 p.m. Friday.
Read more »
Rossello officially resigns, Pedro Pierluisi will be next governor of Puerto RicoRicardo Rossello, the governor of Puerto Rico who was forced to step down amid mass protests, will officially resign from the position at 5 p.m. Friday.
Read more »
Puerto Rico vote delay raises uncertainty over next governorPuerto Rico's next governor remained up in the air on Thursday, just 24 hou...
Read more »
Puerto Rico Legislature delays vote on Pedro Pierluisi, possible successor to governorPuerto Rico legislature delays confirmation of new secretary of state who could succeed embattled Gov. Rosselló.
Read more »