The political crisis in Puerto Rico is not yet finished for a long time. Even after the resignation of Governor Ricardo Roselló, the distrust against the political Establishment continues to drive thousands to the streets.
“Hot dog! Hot dogs! Take, they cost nothing” to call a man the protesters. Next to this is a other free water distributed. Even after the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló have gathered by the thousands in San Juan. Singing and dancing drag through the streets of the capital to the Hiram Bithron Baseball stadium.
Ricardo Perez says he was from the first day of the protests, with enthusiasm and Conviction in the process. “Rosselló is only the beginning. We will continue to fight against corrupt power structures in Puerto Rico. We will not let up.” Perez, who is studying accounting, and his friend Jomar Alayon, a computer science Student, brought a large Puerto Rican Flag to the stadium. Proud to be on the people in Puerto Rico, they say. Proud and happy. “We want to continue to do that until the island gets a better government – a government that it deserves,” says Jomar Alayon.
No real change in sight?
According to the Constitution, should be now the Minister of foreign Affairs, the Governor’s office at the Council table. He is, however, also stepped down long back, was Minister of justice, Wanda Vázquez chosen as the successor. Not a good choice, says Jobar Alayon. Most here think so. They belong to the same corrupt to the circle of power as Rosselló, explains the Student. Corruption scandals has experienced Puerto Rico in the past many, the last only a few days ago. It the text but news of a private group Chat between the Governor and his Confidants, who have brought Rosselló-case basis.
Jomar Alayon (left) and Ricardo Perez
“What managed because of the Public, it was disgusting,” says Jomar Alayon. “I would have expected from a Governor, really.” The way how the Chat group women and homosexual mocked sexual insulted and victims of the devastating hurricane Maria by 2017, outraged the Puerto Ricans. The protests which began two weeks ago, not cracks. Also on the American mainland solid a lot of solidarity with the Puerto Ricans. US President, Donald Trump Rosselló called a terrible Governor.
Puerto Rico as a model for Washington?
While the Situation in Puerto Rico is not much different than the situation in Washington, says Jomar Alayon. Also Trump is known for racist and gay-hostile comments. “I would hope that the Americans will follow on the mainland our example. Together we have chased the Governor out of office. You can create, but also in the case of Trump.”
On the stage, which was built next to the stadium entrance, under which local Bands. People swing brought the flags to the beat of the music, dancing happily. Also Gorge Nazario and his girlfriend are among them.
Destination – a new political class
“Most people here are not like to hear it, but I think Trump is good,” says the Puerto Rican who works as a bartender. “He’s trying, at least, to change something.” And his racial Remarks to criticize? His failures against Puerto Rico? “His big mouth is his biggest Problem, but at least he’s doing something.”
Gorge Nazario with his girlfriend
In Puerto Rico going on for a long time, little says Gorge Nazario is convinced. In 2017, the island had to sign up in the Caribbean, their inability to pay. It is the third largest state was bankrupt, the debt history. Then hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico, and 3000 people that cost the lives came. Until today has not recovered the island completely by the disaster. By the by the U.S. Congress 42 billion US approved dollars in aid, the Trump-government of Puerto Rico has provided nearly 13 billion.
To long kept silent?
“We need a Governor who knows how and where the money is spent. We need more schools, a better education system,” says Gorge Nazario. For twelve days he was on the street every day. He looks around and adds, “I’m surprised that not more people are here today. We must continue to make.” Also for Gorge Nazario this is only the beginning. For too long, he says, we have kept silent.