/ 11 August 2021

Cuomo gawn

Those who follow US politics said Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo would never resign. He said himself that he would only leave in the middle of a term in office if “God strikes me dead”. But overnight, the weight of allegations that he sexually harassed 11 women – including former and serving staff – have ended his political career. Cuomo is (or was…) political royalty in New York. His father Mario was governor during the 80s and 90s, and it took Andrew until 2010 to win his first gubernatorial election. Last year as New York was struck by the pandemic, the 63yo was ​​praised nationally for his steady leadership. But this year, accusations of unwanted touching and inappropriate comments surfaced. And last week, a report from the New York State attorney general concluded that he had sexually harassed the women. Cuomo’s denials and his “I kiss people” defence didn’t wash – including with teammate President Joe Biden. And overnight, he said “the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing.” His deputy Kathy Hochul will replace him – she becomes the first woman to hold the office.

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