Eduardo Bhatia Discusses Rosselló’s Resignation

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: What do you think was the breaking point that changed his mind and why only August 2nd will he leave, why not immediately?

EDUARDO BHATIA: I think this was — we have to call this a democratic revolution. It is a democratic revolution by a lot of young people. A lot of young millennials in Puerto Rico said they were fed up with corruption, with lies, with deceit, and they were protesting every night, every single minute. They would not let go. And I think the pressure, the pressure of the people, non-violent revolution I would add, made a difference. I think the people was tired, everybody was tired and the government realized he was alone. Most of the top echelon of the government quit. So, I think — you know, again, I’m very proud of the people of Puerto Rico. But I’m even more proud of the young folks who are coming up and were taking over and basically saying enough is enough. And I think that’s the pressure that the governor received. Also, the legislature was about to start impeachment processes, and I think that’s what turned around the decision for the governor.

AMANPOUR: So, you did, in fact, as you say, tweet that people are fed up with lies and deception, their voices are being heard, silence is not an option. This is a new awakening and a new Puerto Rico. I hope it lasts forever. I wonder whether you think that it will have legs or will it get mired in future, you know, political issues. And again, why do you think he’s waiting until the 2nd of August to actually leave office?

BHATIA: Well, I think, you know, some people know, there was no clear transition as the governor/secretary of state who is a successor, who is kind of the lieutenant governor, he resigned. He is part of this whole scandal, this whole chat scandal. Therefore, I think the governor is taking a few days. I would not have done that and I would advise him not to do that, but he’s taking a few days to see if they can find a suitable replacement. The problem is, within his party, they can’t find someone who will take over that position. It’s — everyone is running away from the scandal and there is total political disarray. Unfortunately, for Puerto Rico, we have to look forward, we have to turn the page and we have to start addressing our big problems, unemployment, poverty, real poverty issues, the debt. We have a huge debt. And I think this was this — the governor had become a big distraction and a big problem to solve our problems, solve our dire problems here in Puerto Rico.