Power Struggles: Puerto Rico's New Governor Takes Charge Amid Blackouts

Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon was sworn in as Puerto Rico's new governor amid widespread frustration over a persistent blackout affecting the island's power grid. The Republican leader pledges to stabilize the grid and address Puerto Rico's economic challenges while advocating for statehood.

Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, Puerto Rico's new governor, took office Thursday amid a fervent ceremony held under an unsettling shadow: a significant blackout crippling the US territory. The event, typically celebratory, was somber due to the island-wide anger over recent power outages.

The Republican governor, who supports President-elect Donald Trump, belongs to the New Progressive Party, advocating for statehood. Gonzalez aims to stabilize Puerto Rico's deteriorating power grid, as promised during her successful election campaign in November. Her vision includes appointing an energy 'czar' to oversee the grid's renovation.

Despite blackout challenges, Gonzalez faces major tasks ahead, from addressing a shaky economy to restructuring a massive public debt. Her administration must work closely with a federal oversight board as Puerto Rico navigates post-bankruptcy recovery and seeks statehood approval from the US Congress.

(With inputs from agencies.)