SAN JUAN — The head of Puerto Rico’s main economic development agency has resigned after accusing Governor Jenniffer González’s administration of interfering in the department’s operations, intensifying political tensions within the U.S. territory’s government.
Sebastián Negrón Reichard announced his resignation from Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce on Tuesday, saying government actions had undermined the agency’s independence and disrupted internal oversight efforts.
In a public statement, Negrón Reichard said more than 10 senior officials at the department — including the agency’s chief of staff, finance chief and general counsel — also resigned following what he described as government intervention in procurement-related investigations.
The resignations came after the administration reversed two suspensions issued by the department following an internal inquiry into alleged improper procurement interventions, according to Negrón Reichard. He said the government’s actions made it impossible to continue carrying out the role “with the integrity and autonomy” required of the position.
Negrón Reichard also alleged that employees who reported irregularities within the agency were left without adequate protection. He declined to provide further details, citing potential legal action.
Political Friction Emerges Inside Governing Party
Governor Jenniffer González expressed disappointment over the resignation but dismissed questions regarding alleged interference in the agency’s work.
“I’m disappointed because I think he was a great agency secretary,” González told reporters, adding that the administration had worked closely with him on economic initiatives.
The controversy has also exposed divisions within Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood New Progressive Party. Senate President Thomás Rivera Schatz, who has recently clashed with González despite belonging to the same political party, called the resignation “extremely regrettable.”
Rivera Schatz said authorities should examine the allegations carefully and warned that further evidence of wrongdoing could prompt additional action.
Economic Concerns Add Pressure
The leadership shakeup arrives at a sensitive moment for Puerto Rico’s economy as officials attempt to attract investment, expand tourism and strengthen economic development initiatives following years of fiscal instability and debt restructuring efforts.
The Department of Economic Development and Commerce plays a central role in promoting business investment and managing economic incentives across the island. Puerto Rico has been pursuing policies aimed at drawing wealthy investors and expanding technology, manufacturing and tourism sectors.
Political instability has repeatedly affected governance in Puerto Rico in recent years, including mass protests that led to the resignation of former Governor Ricardo Rosselló in 2019.
Authorities have not publicly released additional information regarding the procurement investigation cited by Negrón Reichard, and details surrounding the alleged interference remain unclear.
