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Vol. 80/No. 39 October 17, 2016
Picket hits Washington’s takeover of Puerto Rico’s budget
Mario Rubén Carrión
NEW YORK — Leaving no doubt whose interests it will defend, the fiscal
control board for Puerto Rico held its first meeting Sept. 30 near Wall
Street. The board was appointed by President Barack Obama to ensure
payment of Puerto Rico’s $70 billion debt to bondholders. It has the
power to override all financial-related decisions of the Puerto Rican
government, including jobs, wages, health care and retirement funds.
More than 50 people protested outside chanting, “Your economic policy
proves that we’re a colony,” “Who voted for you?” and “It’s not our
debt!” Protesters also demanded freedom for independence fighter Oscar
López, jailed in the U.S. for more than 35 years. A simultaneous protest
took place at the U.S. Courthouse in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The board’s first action was to give Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García
two weeks to submit plans for budget cuts. He promised to collaborate.
— SETH GALINSKY
Related articles:
Free Oscar López! Independence for Puerto Rico!
Widespread support for López in Puerto Rico
Socialist Workers Party backs independence fight
Oscar López: Join fight for Puerto Rican independence!
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