Santini chides Resident Commissioner for not articulating a vision of commonwealth status

By THE STAR STAFF

The New Progressive Party (NPP) escalated its criticism of Popular Democratic Party (PDP) figure Pablo José Hernández on Friday, arguing that the young leader misused the anniversary of the commonwealth (ELA) status to attack Gov. Jenniffer González Colón instead of articulating a vision for the political formula he claims to defend.

NPP Secretary General Jorge Santini said Puerto Ricans expected Hernández to reflect on the commonwealth’s legacy and outline its future. Instead, he argued, Hernández devoted his remarks to the governor, revealing what Santini described as misplaced priorities.

“If on the day of the commonwealth status the most important thing for him is talking about the Governor, it’s clear where his focus is,” Santini said.

The NPP official contrasted Hernández’s approach with the leadership of former Gov. Luis Muñoz Marín, noting that while people may disagree with Muñoz Marín, “no one can deny he defended his ideas with seriousness and leadership.” Santini said Hernández projects “more the image of a kid playing PlayStation than that of a leader prepared to defend his party’s future.”

Santini argued that Hernández’s political challenge lies not in La Fortaleza but within his own party. He pointed to PDP Mayor Luis Javier Hernández as an example of internal figures strengthening their leadership while Pablo José “spends his time talking about the Governor.”

“That disconnect explains the discontent within sectors of the Popular Democratic Party,” Santini added.

According to Santini, Hernández’s decision to turn the commonwealth anniversary into a speech about González Colón shows that “the Governor occupies more space in his thinking than the very formula he says he represents.” He said this disconnect with the expectations of the PDP base is fueling growing internal criticism.

“When on the anniversary of the commonwealth there is more talk about Jenniffer González than about the commonwealth itself, it becomes clear that the Popular Democratic Party has lost the discourse to defend the formula it created,” Santini concluded.