Ricky Renuncia! That’s been the chant coming from thousands of protestors in the streets of Puerto Rico. Citizens are demanding that Governor Ricardo Rosselló resign. Everyone from teachers to students, retirees and celebrities are tired of the governments behavior. The Puerto Rico protests started Sunday July 14th and have been growing in size and intensity. What started as a few hundred people has ballooned to a reported 100,000 in just a few days. Despite the demands Rosselló insists he will not resign.
“I recognize the challenge before me for recent controversies, but I firmly believe that it is possible to restore confidence and that we can, after this painful and painful process, achieve reconciliation,” he said in a statement responding to the July 18th protests.
Here is what you should know about what’s been happening in Puerto Rico.
The corruption scandal that started the fire
Last week the former Secretary of Education, the former Puerto Rico Health insurance administration head, as well as several others were arrested by the FBI. They are charged with money laundering, fraud and other counts for allegedly embezzling $15.5 million.
#RickyLeaks comes to light
Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism published private chats between Ricardo Roselló and 11 members of his inner circle. The transcripts—almost 900 pages— included homophobic, misogynistic and callous comments about citizens, celebrities, and others who critiqued his administration. There were plans to discredit journalists and threats of violence against political opponents like San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz. Since the release of the transcripts several members of Rosselló’s administration involved have resigned.
Puerto Rican celebs join the fight
The loudest calls of resignation are coming from Puerto Rican entertainers who are calling for him to step down. Residente, Benicio del Toro and Ricky Martin among others flew to Puerto Rico to take part in the protests. Residente and Bad Bunny released the song, “Afilando los Cuchillos,” condemning him.
It’s been 5 days and counting
What started on Sunday in the streets of Viejo San Juan in front of the governor’s mansion has grown daily as more people take to the streets. The protest on Wednesday evening became violent when a Molotov cocktail was thrown at police. Retaliation with pepper spray and tear gas ensured. Rallies in support of the island have been happening in New York City and Orlando Florida, home to large communities of Puerto Ricans.
The unrest adds fuel to fight with Trump
For months Trump has claimed the islands officials were using relief funds to pay debt. It is why he was against releasing billions of proposed recovery funds. The White House reacted to the unrest in Puerto Rico on Tuesday afternoon stating, “The unfortunate events of the past week in Puerto Rico prove the President’s concerns about the mismanagement, politicization, and corruption have been valid.”
There are more scandals rocking Rosselló
The Center for Investigative Journalism released another report. It claims a corruption scheme used public money to benefit individuals and the government. Moreover, Rosselló knew but did nothing. His party the New Progressive Party has publicly withdrawn their support.
No one knows what will come next or what direction the island and its people will take.