The outgoing governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, has confirmed former US Congressman Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia as a new secretary of state, a decision that, according to the Constitution, makes him his successor once he finally leaves office this Friday, August 2.
“After much analysis and taking into account the best interests of our people, I have selected Mr. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia to fill the vacancy of secretary of state,” Rosselló confirmed on Twitter. The outgoing governor has called an extraordinary session for this Thursday.
The appointment, which has to be confirmed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, had already been advanced on Tuesday, after Rosselló advanced his decision to lawmakers. Pierluisi would not be guaranteed parliamentary ratification, according to the newspaper ‘El Nuevo Día’, which points to the possible political aspirations of Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz.
Rosselló presented his resignation last week after weeks of mass protests over the publication of a series of messages containing comments in which he was asked to persecute opposition politicians and officials.
This resignation will be effective on August 2 at 5:00 p.m. (local time). The controversy over who will hold the position has occurred after the island’s secretary of Justice, Wanda Vázquez, Rosselló’s designated successor, resigned from becoming governor. Europa Press
