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New Governor Sworn in as a Wary Puerto Rico Demands Changes

Associated Press

   SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - Pedro Pierluisi vowed to achieve statehood for
   Puerto Rico and fight against poverty, corruption and COVID-19 after he
   was sworn in Saturday as the U.S. territory's new governor.

   Pierluisi, a Democrat who served as Puerto Rico's representative in
   Congress for eight years, also promised to prioritize education, lift
   the government out of bankruptcy and alleviate a deep economic crisis
   as leader of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party.

   "I have listened to our people and acknowledged the needs for better
   governance," he said in a bilingual speech with a strong conciliatory
   tone. "I need everyone to battle our common enemies."

   Saturday's ceremony marked the end of a chaotic four-year period in
   which Puerto Rico had three governors, including Pierluisi himself
   briefly, after former Governor Ricardo Rosselló stepped down last year
   following huge street protests.

   Plenty of difficulty

   Pierluisi, 61, inherits a stagnant economy, a divided legislature, a
   billion-dollar public debt restructuring and a politically fractured
   U.S. territory hit hard by the pandemic as it struggles to recover from
   hurricanes and earthquakes.

   "Some very difficult years await him and the island," said political
   analyst Mario Negrón. "The economy is in critical condition, and even
   though federal funds are on their way, people forget that the debt will
   have to be paid starting in February."

   Pierluisi, who is known for his conciliatory nature, will be leading a
   disgruntled and exhausted population after obtaining the lowest number
   of votes of any governor in Puerto Rico's history. He received nearly
   33% of votes compared with nearly 32% obtained by Carlos Delgado of the
   Popular Democratic Party, marking the first time either party failed to
   reach 40% of vote.

   New and longtime minority political parties gained ground during
   November's election, with no clear majority emerging in the island's
   legislature, meaning Pierluisi will have to seek consensus with members
   of four other parties, Negrón said.

   "I'd like to think that people will grow during this moment of
   political crisis," he said. "Experience has taught me all the
   contrary."

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