Puerto Rico’s Governor González Faces Mounting Crisis as Top Aides Ensnared in Corruption Allegations

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s governor is confronting a widening political scandal as her top aides face mounting allegations of corruption, government interference, and conflicts of interest. The crisis has sent shockwaves through the U.S. territory as more than a dozen officials have resigned from key agencies amid growing calls for accountability.

At the center of the turmoil is Francisco Domenech, the governor’s chief of staff, who also leads Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority. Domenech recently submitted sworn corruption allegations against former Economic Development Secretary Sebastián Negrón, who resigned last month claiming the administration interfered with agency operations. In his first public comments since the controversy erupted, Domenech defended his actions to local media, stating he needed time to gather evidence against Negrón.

The allegations against Domenech, currently under investigation by an independent state agency, have drawn federal attention. U.S. lawmakers questioned Governor González about the matter this week, and she has denied the claims.

Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor’s pro-statehood party, has called for Domenech’s resignation. Rivera Schatz proposed offering legislative immunity to Domenech and other officials if they cooperate and help eliminate corruption.

The scandal intensified this week when private text messages between Domenech and Negrón surfaced, reportedly showing pressure to place campaign loyalists in positions within the economic development agency. Negrón has denounced Domenech’s latest allegations as retaliatory, warning that the controversy threatens investor confidence in Puerto Rico.

“The most troubling aspect of what happened today is not the attack against me personally, but the message it sends to every public servant who witnesses irregularities and decides to report them,” Negrón said.

He emphasized that companies investing in Puerto Rico risk becoming entangled in political disputes, potentially undermining the island’s economic recovery efforts amid chronic infrastructure challenges.

Source link