#TSRUpdatez: Puerto Rican residents and those who support the movement are upset that #Puerto Rico’s Governor #RicardoRossello refuses to resign following protests over the past week.
He did, however, announce today that he will not run for reelection next year and is resigning as the president of the New Progressive Party, @CNN reports. Still, protestors who have been calling for his resignation after offensive private chat messages between Rossello and his inner circle were made public say that it’s not enough.
“A huge portion of the population is unhappy and I recognize it,” Rosselló said on Facebook Live. “I’ve heard you, I love the island and people. … Today I have the responsibility to direct my strengths to try to find alternatives so that with God we may be able to move forward. I’m going to be looking forward to turning over power to the person elected democratically.”
He is two and a half years into his four-year term. Those who want him out say it’s about respect.
“He’s like a little child having a tantrum. He’s lived an easy life of privilege and he doesn’t want to give it up,” 40-year-old Jomaries Amezaga told CNN.
Protestors were met by tear gas on Thursday morning, as they gathered to call for Rossello’s resignation outside of his home.
A series of protests reportedly began several days ago, when nearly 900 pages of leaked messages from the governor revealed misogynistic and homophobic remarks.
“We are tired of the abuse, of so many years of corruption,” a protestor told CNN. “We are here to make a revolution.”
Puerto Rico’s Center For Investigative Journalism Reportedly published the messages for the public to see. The messages also uncovered the governor’s plan to use Hurricane relief funds for his personal gain.
Hundreds of demonstrators reportedly gather in front of the Puerto Rican Capitol on Wednesday for one of the largest protests in front of the governor’s residence.
Puerto Rican celebrities including Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, and rapper Rene Perez join the protestors to show their support for a better PR.
We are praying for the safety of everyone involved. We’ll keep you updated on this one, Roommates.
