After harassment allegations: New York Governor Cuomo resigns

New York Governor Cuomo has announced his resignation following harassment charges. Before that, the pressure from within our own ranks had also increased. Now there is a novelty at the top of the US state.

The press conference was a little reminiscent of his daily masses, with which the governor promised New Yorkers to hold out during the Covid period. Visibly battered, Andrew Cuomo quoted himself again. To be a strong New Yorker is to love the city. And he loves New York. He love the New Yorkers. And everything that he did happened under this sign. He would never want to be unhelpful in any way.

And the best way I can help now is to step aside and let the government go back to governing.

The democratic politician had been in office since 2011. He was only re-elected two years ago. The way in which he brought the attacked metropolis through the worst Covid crisis has brought Cuomo a lot of fame. He was celebrated like a star – even traded as a future presidential candidate.

High flight – then deep fall

But then the star fell: allegations of fake corona statistics, criticism of his authoritarian leadership style. Above all, however: the allegations of eleven current and former employees that Cuomo had sexually molested them. In words. With touch. An investigation by the Attorney General’s office confirmed it.

But Cuomo is sticking to it: his lawyers had looked through the investigation report and denounced numerous problems and errors. “The most serious allegations against me have not been substantiated by the report. There is a difference between an allegation of inappropriate behavior and evidence of sexual harassment.”

Sorry and defense

He takes full responsibility for his behavior. Cuomo continued to weigh down: he had come too close to people. His humor is strange for some people. He hugs and kisses people occasionally. Cuomo also apologized to the women concerned in his statement.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t eleven women I’ve hurt. And for that I apologize from the bottom of my heart.

Cuomo had long resisted resigning – even when President Biden asked his fellow party member to do so. And when the New York Democrats were already starting impeachment proceedings. Even now he spoke of a necessity – brought about by a poisoned political climate in which the platform Twitter had taken the place of the debate.

Cuomo’s place will now be taken over by Vice Governor Kathy Hochul. She already welcomed Cuomo’s step in a Twitter message. She is prepared to take over the office of governor. The democrat will be the first woman to rule the state with more than 19 million inhabitants. In two weeks – when Cuomo’s self-chosen deadline expires.