‘LL: Tell me about the new party you’re part of, Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana. What makes it different?
Manuel: It is an alliance between a lot of people that don’t feel represented by the two main parties. Some that have participated in public office as independent candidates, others that have done their work outside of electoral politics. We could no longer stand by while the two parties (PDP and Partido Nuevo Progresista) are making decisions that are not in our best interests. Political parties in Puerto Rico are organized exclusively around the status issue–commonwealth, statehood, independence. Status is how people are electing people vs. on the issues that are affecting them. As a movement, we do not endorse a particular option, we endorse a process. We believe that people should be able to work together, in a constitutional assembly to address it, and other issues in Puerto Rico. That’s the main difference. Regardless of [status] Puerto Rico should be a place with social equality, quality and accessible public education, decent healthcare. Let’s tackle all those issues and move towards decolonization. That’s what we’re fighting for.
‘LL: You call yourself a public servant, not a politician. What’s the difference between them for you?
Manuel: I wear the uniform of a public servant. I had gotten there representing a party. But once you’re in that role you become a public servant and you have to represent the best interests of the people. It might conflict with what’s best for the party’s future or re-election. If you’re truly a servant, you put people before that. That’s not a philosophy a lot of people in elected positions share. That also led to my decision of leaving PPD. It was all about party politics.
‘LL: Is it possible for a political outsider, like yourself, to make their way into the political position and work for the people instead of themselves?
Manuel: Going to a great university in the U.S. I had a very unique circumstances–a combination of luck, privilege and hard work. We’re trying to build this movement to change that. Citizens Victory Movement has dozens of candidates 18-22 years old running for city council and more. We’re building a movement to provide a level playing field so others can get to where I am and succeed further. That’s my generational responsibility. I have to leave our country in a better position than I found it.
‘LL: What sets you apart from other candidates running?
Manuel: My trajectory. I’ve had the privilege of being a public servant for seven years. I’ve always stayed true to my principles and things I believe are in the best interest for the people of Puerto Rico. That has come at a great cost: personally and politically. I’m ok with that because that’s the way I see public service. That sets me apart from the other candidates; all of them have put party politics over what’s best for the people they represent. That’s not the leadership we need in San Juan, in Puerto Rico or anywhere. We need individuals 100% exclusively to constituents not funders or parties.
‘LL: Do you still want to be Puerto Rico’s governor?
Manuel: The first time I was sworn in I told myself: “Whatever you do, don’t become what you set out to change.” If that means I don’t become governor, so be it. I’m not passionate about having a title. I don’t live that movie. I’m passionate about changing my country. I believe in honest and decent public servants. I’ll do that in every space or position I’m allowed.