Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló is expected to resign Wednesday after nearly two weeks of widespread protests sparked by the publication of offensive chat messages with advisers, several of whom have already stepped down, according to reports.
The embattled governor plans to deliver a farewell announcement that will be broadcast before noon, sources told local newspaper El Nuevo Día.
Rosselló will apparently be replaced by Justice Secretary Wanda Vázquez, whom protesters reject because of her ties to him, according to the news outlet.
Normally, the next person in line would be the secretary of state, but the position has been vacant since the recent resignation of Luis Rivera Marín.
Protesters had cheered reports of Rosselló’s imminent departure late Tuesday but warned that it would not end the demonstrations now entering their 12th day.
The demonstrations were sparked by the publication on July 13 of chat messages in which Rosselló and advisers used profane language to describe female politicians and openly gay Puerto Ricans like Ricky Martin.
The governor also has been hammered over his handling of 2017’s Hurricane Maria, alleged corruption in his administration and the island’s bankruptcy process.
Several of his closest aides have resigned over the scandal, including his chief of staff, Ricardo Llerandi, who handed in his resignation on Tuesday amid concerns for the safety of his family after threats.
His resignation is effective July 31.