The Last Straw: Puerto Rico After “Ricky Leaks”

The governor of Puerto Rico, Ricky Rosselló, has resigned. The unprecedented resignation—effective August 2nd—comes amid weeks of the largest protests the island has experienced in decades. Rooted in long-standing grievances, such as official corruption and the inadequate response to Hurricane María, the massive protests united broad swathes of the island in a movement to clean up the island’s politics. Far from subsiding, the movement seems to only have gained momentum in recent days. Just days away from when Rosselló is slated to step down, his successor is still unclear.

What are we to make of the popular movement to oust Ricardo Rosselló? What does the movement say about the Puerto Rican politics and society? What can we expect from the local authorities for the remainder of the term? Is this the end of “business as usual” in the island? What are some possible scenarios?

Join us as at the Dialogue as we take stock of the movement’s impact and long-term implications for Puerto Rico.

Follow this event on Twitter at @The_Dialogue.

PANELISTS

Pedro Reina Pérez 

Professor, University of Puerto Rico (@pedroreinaperez)

JOSÉ A. DELGADO

Washington Correspondent, El Nuevo Día (@JoseADelgadoEND)

GRETCHEN SIERRA-ZORITA

Consultant, Public Policy and Communications

MODERATOR

MICHAEL SHIFTER

President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)

 

Image Credit: Brian A. Rodriguez