New Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi declared a “fiscal emergency” and ordered the island’s Department of Justice to step up anti-corruption efforts Saturday — hours after being sworn in, per Bloomberg.
Why it matters: Puerto Rico has experienced a tumultuous period politically and economically, with three governors in four years and a billion-dollar public debt.
The pandemic has badly affected the island, which is still recovering from catastrophic Hurricane Maria and last year’s earthquakes.
Political analyst Mario Negrón told AP, “The economy is in critical condition, and even though federal funds are on their way, people forget that the debt will have to be paid starting in February.”
The big picture: Pierluisi signed six executive orders Saturday night — including the fiscal measure instructing government agencies to reduce costs, such as imposing travel limits, and for the local DOJ to liaise closely with federal prosecutors in corruption cases.
The 61-year-old leader of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party also ordered the Caribbean island’s health department to “design a robust” plan for coronavirus testing, according to Bloomberg. Read more>>
