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Jesús Manuel Ortiz González, the departing president of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), expressed on Tuesday his feelings of betrayal by certain individuals within the party and beyond, following his announcement to resign effective Feb. 2.
“I feel let down by numerous individuals, not just regarding my own situation but also concerning the party as a whole,” Ortiz remarked during a radio appearance on Radio Isla 1320. “I believe they have harmed the nation.”
Throughout his 20 months in office, Ortiz encountered both internal and external opposition that he labeled as “unwarranted and vicious,” pointing out examples that ranged from critical editorial pieces to threats against his candidacy. He argues that this dynamic ultimately played to the advantage of the current governing New Progressive Party (NPP).
Ortiz indicated that the climate led to confusion among the electorate, which aided the NPP’s electoral success. He asserts that the results of last November’s elections now grant the NPP dominance over the island’s Supreme Court and crucial appointments for the future decades.
While Ortiz underscored the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication with other factions, he warned that no one should anticipate taking on an “unshakeable leading position.” He reiterated that the structure of the PDP remains the most robust option for overcoming the NPP in forthcoming elections.
