USA: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo feels "unfairly" treated

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (archive photo)

Photo: JOHANNES EISELE / AFP

After the allegations of sexual harassment, the outgoing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo again portrayed himself as the victim of a political campaign in his farewell speech.

He spoke of strong political pressure and media hype.

Cuomo addressed New Yorkers on his last day as governor in a 15-minute video message previously recorded.

"I'm a fighter," he said.

That was why his instinct was to fight.

In his opinion, he was treated "unfairly" and "unjustly".

But he decided not to fight because prolonging the situation would only cripple the government.

The attorney general's report on the allegations against him was a "political bombshell on an explosive topic" - and it worked.

Cuomo said he was confident that in time the truth would come out.

Cuomo had announced his resignation two weeks ago, thus anticipating impending impeachment proceedings.

Several women accused him of sexual harassment.

An investigation report by Attorney General Letitia James found that Cuomo had sexually molested former and current employees of the state authorities (read more about the case here).

According to the report, Cuomo is said to have touched, kissed and hugged eleven women undesirably.

He is also said to have made inappropriate comments.

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Cuomo's successor, Kathy Hochul

Photo: Seth Wenig / AP

Monday was his last day in office.

Vice-Governor Kathy Hochul is to be sworn in as his successor on Tuesday night.

The Democrat becomes the first woman to head the state.

Cuomo, who came from a political dynasty, was elected governor in 2010 and has since become one of the stars of the Democrats.

During the peak of the corona pandemic in spring 2020, the politician, who was praised for his crisis management, was even traded as a possible presidential candidate for his party.

kfr / AFP / Reuters